Algoma Public Health
Let's Reduce Lung Cancer from the Ground Up!
Wed, Sep 23, 2026
**Sent in partnership with Take Action on Radon
Residents of Elliot Lake are invited to protect their health by testing their homes for radon this winter with the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge. All participants are invited to join us for a free Radon Information Session and receive a free radon test. The information session will cover the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in the area, and what Health Canada recommends for homeowners. Limited number of tests are available and so interested participants are invited to pre-register.
This initiative is being supported by Radiation Safety Institute of Canada and Take Action on Radon. The Radiation Safety Institute of Canada has a long history with Elliot Lake. The Institute takes its origin from the Elliot Lake uranium mines - it was formed as a response to the miners' overexposure to radon. Take Action on Radon is a coalition of national health organizations which is funded by Health Canada to raise awareness about the health risks associated with radon.
All Elliot Lake residents are encouraged to attend the online Radon Information Session - whether or not they choose to participate in the testing program - to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in our area, and Health Canada’s recommendations for homeowners. However, due to the limited number of radon test kits available, we recommend anyone interested in receiving a free radon test pre-register.
There will be two free IN-PERSON Radon Information Sessions on Thursday, October 8 at 2 pm and 6:30 pm at Collins Hall, 120 Hillside Dr N, Elliot Lake. Radon test kits will be available to pick up after each information session and additional kits may be available for pick up the following week from the Algoma Public Health office in Elliot Lake, 31 Nova Scotia Walk #302, Elliot Lake, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed noon -1pm).
“Although Canadians are becoming more aware of radon and its link to lung cancer in non-smokers, we still see hesitancy before homeowners take steps to test and reduce their radon exposure.” says Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), and Project Manager for Take Action on Radon. “Reducing radon exposure saves lives and the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge is a great way for a community to come together and take action on radon.”
Radon is a radioactive gas that is released by the breakdown of uranium in the soil. It is odourless, tasteless, and colourless, and can enter buildings and enclosed spaces undetected. Since Canadian homes are sealed against the weather, radon can become trapped indoors, building up to dangerous levels. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon damages the DNA in our lung tissue and is currently leading to over 3,000 Canadian deaths each year – more than the combined toll of car collisions, house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and drowning.
“We are thrilled to have the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge in our community to remove cost barriers for our residents. We strongly urge households to claim a kit, complete the three-month winter test, and take this simple, critical step toward preventing cancer in their household" said Ben Pilon, Public Health Inspector with Algoma Public Health.
“Radon is a well-established human carcinogen. Testing and reducing radon levels is cancer prevention.” says Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, a scientist from the Faculty of Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University, “Our homes are where Canadians' exposure is the highest; preventing radon exposure will reduce the number of Canadians dying of lung cancer.”
Funding for this project is provided by Radiation Safety Institute of Canada