Radon gas test kits are available at many building supply stores

Steinbach Building Inspector Barry Plett says radon gas does not appear to be a significant problem in homes here. He was responding to a recommendation from Health Canada last week that Manitobans have their homes tested for the odourless, invisible gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It says one in five Manitoba homes has high levels of radon.

Plett notes three city staff did radon tests in their homes a year ago. "One home was approximately two years old, one was 12 years old and the other was 30 years old and in different areas of the city. We felt this would give a good indication of what the city had in regards to radon issues. The two year old home had the lowest volume of radon and the oldest home at the highest volume of radon. The oldest home had radon levels right around the maximum allowed by Health Canada by today's standards."

Plett says people shouldn't feel any urgent need to have their homes tested. "I don't believe it's a super serious issue. I don't want to belittle the presence of it and the risks of it but I don't feel it's a serious issue in our community or in the surrounding area here. But it is something that everyone is able to test if they have concerns." He adds inexpensive test kits can be purchased at building supply stores. Plett continues, "I would suggest they don't need to rush out and get a test kit. If they have concerns, where residents of a home may be feeling sick for whatever reason, they (the kits) are available. and then they can find out those numbers."

He also notes that, as of April, 2011, the Building Code requires all new homes to have radon gas extraction systems roughed in.