Radiation Safety Institute Promotes Radon Awareness at Fall Home Show

Institute Scientist, Camille Pacher, prepares for a busy day of questions and answers about radon gas

For most of the homeowners and would-be do-it-yourself-ers attending the 2009 Fall Home Show in Toronto, the issue of radon in the home came as something of a revelation.

Though it occurs naturally and is the world’s second leading cause of lung cancer, most Canadians are unaware of the potential for this colourless and odourless radioactive gas to seep into basements and accumulate to dangerous levels. When told about health dangers of radon, most show-goers reacted with surprise and made comments like “I had no idea” or “Why didn’t I know about this before?”.

As part of our ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about radiation health and safety issues, the Institute tries to engage people in meaningful conversations about these serious and complex issues.

For Scientist and Educator, Don Bell, the 2009 Fall Home Show was an invaluable "teaching moment".

An event like the Home Show offers a unique opportunity for our scientists and other experts to both educate the public and “take the pulse” of community where radiation safety is concerned. In all, the staff who attended the show estimates that we had meaningful conversations with at least 1,000 people.

Though this was our first appearance at this type of consumer event, we will seriously consider exhibiting at future shows of this kind.