This February, Cranbrook will be visited by building industry professionals from British Columbia, Alberta, and the United States for the Kootenay region’s first-ever radon measurement and mitigation certification course.

With the support of Health Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society is organizing the training for building and construction professionals to help ensure that there is capacity to address elevated radon levels in the Southern Interior of B.C.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, at high levels, can cause lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, but exposure can be reduced with specific building techniques.

A recent study released by the BC Lung Association this January found that one of every two homes in Castlegar have radon levels higher than the recommended guideline.

According to Jenny Byford, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society, “all Canadians should test for radon, especially areas with high radon potential such as the Kootenay region.”

The certification course runs February 23-27 at the Manual Training Centre in Cranbrook and registration is still open.

Participants will learn how to measure radon as well as how to design and install a mitigation system in an existing Cranbrook home. Currently there is also a rebate being offered by the BC Lung Association for those who become certified.

Byford adds, “with the recent BC Building Code Amendments and available rebate, this is an incredibly timely course for local residents. The Kootenay region is extremely fortunate to have such acclaimed instructors travelling here to instruct the course.”

Instructors include Doug Kladder, Director of the Center for Environmental Research and Technology, Karin Dumais, President of the Canadian National Radon Training Centre and Colin Dumais and Renata McQueen, both Directors with the Canadian National Radon Training Centre. Doug Kladder has been involved with developing and implementing radon technologies throughout North America, the Pacific Rim, Asia and Europe, and is the principal author of the book Protecting Your Home from Radon in Canada.

With Health Canada’s support, the Canadian Cancer Society is also hosting a free, radon information forum for the public on Thursday, February 26.

A formal presentation by key note speaker Doug Kladder will begin at 7 p.m. and an open question period will follow at 8 p.m. The presentation is at the College of the Rockies.

For more information on the public forum, or radon measurement and mitigation course, contact Canadian Cancer Society Health Promotion Coordinator Jenny Byford at 250-426-8916 or [email protected].

Above photo: (left) Jenny Byford, Health Promotion Coordinator, Canadian Cancer Society, Herbert Antil and Winnie Cheng, Regional Radiation Specialists, Health Canada.

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