Take Action on Radon, a coalition of national health organizations in partnership with the Town of Salisbury, is distributing 100 free radon test kits to raise awareness about the health risks associated with radon in anticipation of the upcoming National Radon Awareness Month in November. All Town of Salisbury residents are invited to participate in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge and receive a free radon test to test their own home.
As part of this program, there will be a free information session on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held virtually, with an in-person viewing option available at the Salisbury Lions Club (63 Peter Street, Salisbury NB). Information will be sent to those who have pre-registered. Free kits will be available to those who have pre-registered for pick up from Friday, Nov. 21-Friday, Nov. 28, with additional details communicated to those who registered.
Only 100 free kits are available, and residents must pre-register for the session and for their free kit, online here: https://form.jotform.com/252824139779268.
All Salisbury residents are encouraged to attend the online Radon Information Session, whether or not they choose to participate in the testing program, to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in our area, and Health Canada’s recommendations for homeowners. The information session will also provide all participants with details on where and when to pick up their free radon detector.
“Although Canadians are becoming more aware of radon and its link to lung cancer in non-smokers, we still see hesitancy before homeowners take steps to test and reduce their radon exposure.” says Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), and Project Manager for Take Action on Radon. “Reducing radon exposure saves lives and the 100 Test Kit Challenge is a great way for a community to come together and take action on radon.”
“Many in our region have had an increased interest in testing their home for radon” says Mayor Robert Campbell. “The Town is pleased to partner with Take Action on Radon to help families test their homes and learn more about how they can take this simple, but important, step to protect their families and themselves”.
Radon is a radioactive gas that is released by the breakdown of uranium in the soil. It is odourless, tasteless, and colourless, and can enter buildings and enclosed spaces undetected. Since Canadian homes are sealed against the weather, radon can become trapped indoors, building up to dangerous levels. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon damages the DNA in our lung tissue and is currently leading to over 3,000 Canadian deaths each year – more than the combined toll of car collisions, house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and drowning.
Funding for this project is provided by Health Canada. The Government of New Brunswick has recently announced a program to make radon testing kits available at Public Libraries. More information on the Provincial program is available online here.