Lung association launches initiative to raise awareness about radon poisoning

It started as just a cough, then it wouldn’t go away.

That’s what led to Kerri Tucker going to the doctor thinking she had pneumonia. In reality, it was much worse.

Despite not being a smoker, Tucker was diagnosed with lung cancer. After multiple tests she found out it was caused by exposure to radon.

“I was shocked. It was devastating news,” she said. “I want people to know that radon is a real issue in Saskatchewan and it can be in dangerously high levels in our city and our province and I really want people to test their homes and prevent having this type of cancer.”

Radon is an odourless, flavourless, colourless gas that is formed by the breakdown of the radioactive element uranium. It is also the second-leading cause of lung cancer.

According to a Lung Association of Saskatchewan press release, 33 per cent of homes in the province and 50 per cent in Regina “have dangerous amounts of radon.”

“There is no safe level of radon. Oftentimes when we are exposed to radon we inhale it into our lungs and in time it can do damage to our cells and our DNA,” said Jill Hubick, a registered nurse for the Lung Association.

“Oftentimes we don’t see symptoms until many years later and unfortunately with lung cancer when there are symptoms, they are usually at a late stage of the disease so it is much easier to prevent lung cancer than to fight it.”

Hubick said Health Canada advocates for the longer-term test kits that take three months to get results, because they provide more accurate results than quick tests. She said the tests have to be put in the lowest level of a house that families spend approximately four hours a day in.

“If you do have high levels of radon, you don’t need to be scared. There are things that you can do to bring those levels down. We have certified radon mitigation experts that can come into the home (and) let you know how it’s getting in and how you can fix it,” said Hubick.

“Sometimes it means sealing up cracks in the foundation of the home (or) making sure that drains are fitted properly. Sometimes they will install a system that will vent the radon out, but there are definitely ways you can bring those levels down so you and your family feel safe.”

On Tuesday, the Lung Association launched its #MyRadonStory initiative to raise awareness about the risks to Saskatchewan residents.

At the launch, Tucker was named a Lung Association radon ambassador for her work to spread awareness of the risks of radon — risks she knows all too well.

Next week, Tucker goes for her last chemotherapy treatment.