Nova Scotia libraries to provide access to more radon detectors for the public

Radon detectors in demand in N.S. It's the only way to detect the gas that can cause cancer. Paul Hollingsworth reports.

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia libraries are getting $30,000 from the provincial government to help boost a program that provides access to digital radon detectors to members of the public.

The funding will add 100 more of the devices, bringing the total in libraries across the province to more than 250.

The Radon Detector Library Loan Program is in partnership with the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, and enables people to borrow a detector to get a radon level reading in their home.

Radon is an odourless, colourless radioactive gas that is linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

It forms naturally throughout the province and is released slowly by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, water and some building materials.

In some library locations, the waiting list to borrow a detector is up to eight months. Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette says the new funding is expected to cut that wait time in half.

"This investment will make sure more people have the ability to protect themselves and their families," Mombourquette said in a news release.

According to the province, radon is believed to be responsible for killing more than 3,200 Canadians each year.

"Radon exposure is the second leading risk factor for lung cancer behind smoking," Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said in the government news release.

"It is important that homeowners know the level of radon in their home and the way to do this is to test. The library loan program makes it easier for Nova Scotians to do that."

Four other provinces have radon detector programs based on Nova Scotia's: British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Ontario.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2019.