Skip to content

Interior Health testing radon in schools

Pilot project taking place in all districts and participating independent schools

Safety in schools is on the agenda as Interior Health makes its rounds testing for radon.

The radon testing pilot project is taking place in all school districts and participating independent schools.

“The project includes reviewing radon results and supplementing ongoing testing efforts. Interior Health will work with school management to reduce radon levels where high levels are found,” IH said in a letter to schools and families.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed naturally in the ground. It has no colour, odour, or taste and can accumulate indoors, particularly in basements and ground floors.

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking. Spending long periods of time in rooms where radon is present can increase the chance of developing lung cancer, and the risk is higher for people who smoke.

The only way to know radon levels is to test for it.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, radon levels are generally higher in the Interior region than other areas of the province.

For example, in a 2022 test of 257 homes in Lake Country, 51 per cent tested above Health Canada guidelines, according to a BC Lung Foundation report.

“While this project focuses on schools, this setting only accounts for part of the total exposure people may receive. Radon may be present in other buildings in your community, including homes,” said IH. “We encourage you to test your home for radon.”

For more information and resources about radon in BC and to order a long-term test kit visit:

Interior Health’s Radon Information Page - Radon Overview and Resources

BC Centre for Disease Control - Radon Overview and Mapping Information

BC Lung Foundation - Long-Term Test Kit Information and Radon Projects in BC

READ MORE: No school in Cherryville due to power outage

READ MORE: Learning Foundation opens doors of education in Vernon


@VernonNews
newsroom@vernonmorningstar.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

and subscribe to our daily newsletter.
31645888_web1_230126-VMS-radon-tests-schools_2
Radon is a concern for indoor environments such as schools. (National Health Authority video still)


Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
Read more