The Canadian Cancer Society is cautioning Thompsonites to check their homes for possible radon contamination.

Radon is a radioactive gas found in many homes across Canada, created naturally as uranium in the ground breaks down and travels up towards the surface. It can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation, pipe openings, and other places where the house is open to the ground.

Thompson’s Community Representative Judy Kolada explains that, while levels in Thompson compared to southern Manitoba are lower, it’s still important to have your home tested.

“Thompson is one of the lowest radon areas in Manitoba, less than 11% as opposed to up to 41% in some southern locations. The reason the radon problem is so low here is because our top soil is very shallow, and that causes a lower incidence of radon.”

Kolada also says that radon becomes more hazardous during times of year where your home is closed up, which makes November to April the best timeframe for testing.