Did you know there's an invisible threat lurking in your home? Radon, a silent killer, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, yet many homeowners remain unaware of its presence. But here's where it gets controversial: while some areas are known for high radon levels, others, like the Lakelands Public Health region, lack sufficient data, leaving residents in the dark about potential risks.
Lakelands Public Health is taking a proactive step by offering 750 free radon test kits to community members as part of the Evict Radon National Study. This initiative, starting December 15, 2025, aims to shed light on local radon levels and pave the way for better risk mitigation strategies. Participants must agree to join the study, set up the test kit in their home for at least 91 days, and return it for analysis using the provided pre-paid envelope.
Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Lakelands Public Health, emphasizes, “Our region has been prioritized by Evict Radon researchers not because of known high radon levels, but due to a lack of data. This study will help us understand local radon levels, enabling us to work with municipalities to address potential risks effectively.”
What Exactly is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. It can infiltrate homes through cracks, gaps, and openings in foundations. Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, especially in confined spaces. The real danger? Radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making testing the only way to detect its presence. When inhaled, radon releases radioactive particles that damage lung tissue, increasing the risk of lung cancer over time.
And this is the part most people miss: While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, radon exposure is a significant yet often overlooked contributor. Testing your home is a simple yet crucial step in protecting your family’s health.
How to Get Your Free Kit
Test kits are limited to one per household and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must pick up the kit in person at designated locations, including:
- Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes: Local public libraries.
- County of Peterborough: Local municipal offices.
- City of Peterborough: Lakelands Public Health – Peterborough Office, 3rd Floor, 185 King Street.
Locations may change, and new sites could be added. For the most up-to-date information, visit LakelandsPH.ca/radon or contact Lakelands Public Health directly. Members of Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, or Hiawatha First Nation interested in participating are encouraged to reach out for more details.
Want to Know More?
If free kits are no longer available, you can purchase one from EvictRadon.org. For detailed information on radon’s health effects and how to protect your home, visit LakelandsPH.ca/radon.
About Lakelands Public Health
Serving the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and the City and County of Peterborough, Lakelands Public Health is dedicated to protecting health, preventing illness, and promoting well-being. Formed through the merger of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, the organization combines local expertise with a community-focused approach to deliver essential programs, including infectious disease control, healthy living initiatives, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. Learn more at LakelandsPH.ca.
Media Contact
Ashley Beaulac, SCMP©
Communications Manager
Lakelands Public Health
abeaulac@lakelandsph.ca
Food for Thought: Should radon testing be mandatory for all homes, or is it the homeowner’s responsibility to take the initiative? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective!
