The Canadian Cancer Society is urging residents to get their homes tested for radon gas.
The cancer-causing colourless, odourless gas is known to exist in the region, especially in homes close to the Nechako River.
"With summer coming to an end, we are all closing our windows and spending more time indoors, which puts us at an increased risk of radon exposure," Canadian Cancer Society health promotion co-ordinator Kerensa Medhurst said in a news release. "Many homeowners spend some time in the fall preparing their homes for the upcoming seasons so we're asking those individuals to add radon testing to their to-do lists."
Testing kits are available at local retailers or by contacting either Northern Health or the B.C. Lung Association.
Radon gas is the second leading cause for lung cancer after smoking. Young children are particularly susceptible to radon exposure.
