School newsletter submissions
The Canadian Cancer Society wants to stop cancer before it starts because we know that
about half of all cancers can be prevented. We are interested in submitting a series of
articles that will encourage parents to take action to reduce their children’s future risk.
Our hope is that you will recommend articles on the following topics to be included in school
newsletters and websites:
Radon Gas – January 2014
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. It occurs naturally with
the breakdown of uranium in the soil and becomes a health risk when it accumulates
to high levels in some homes. Parents can take simple steps to test their homes and
mitigate if they find high radon levels.
Flavoured Tobacco – March 2014
A very high number of high school students are using flavoured tobacco products.
Fruit- and candy-flavoured tobacco is marketed to appeal to youth, making it easier
for youth to become addicted to tobacco. Parents can share their voices, urging that
flavoured tobacco products be banned.
Tanning is Out – May 2014
No tan is a safe tan. Youth under 18 are now restricted from using tanning beds.
Many youth, however, continue to seek a bronzed look. Armed with information,
parents can encourage that their children own their skin tone and use sun sense.
On the following page, you will find a number of articles about radon gas. January would be
an ideal time to print one of them, given that it’s National Radon Awareness Month in the
US and there is still plenty of time for people to test their homes with windows shut tight.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you
very much for your support!
In Best Health,
Megan Klitch
Health Promotion Coordinator
Canadian Cancer Society, BC Yukon Division
Radon Gas Articles
OPTION 1: Long Radon Specific
REDUCE YOUR FAMILY’S RISK OF LUNG CANCER
The Canadian Cancer Society urges parents to reduce the risk of cancer for themselves and
their children.
Odourless, colourless and tasteless, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in
Canada. It is a naturally occurring gas that can build up to dangerous levels in people’s
homes.
Radon is a heavier gas than air; therefore, it tends to accumulate in the lowest levels of the
home. You may have children that like to spend the majority of their time in the lower levels,
or teenagers with bedrooms in the basement. If a child lives in a home with a very high
radon concentration for only a few years, the risk of developing lung cancer later in life
could be equivalent to a lifetime exposure to moderate radon concentration.
It is fairly easy and inexpensive to have your home tested for radon. You can purchase a
test kit at your local public health protection office or online through the BC Lung
Association. If your home reports high levels, certified radon mitigators (www.carst.ca)
have simple, effective solutions and are available to help.
For more information go to www.myonething.ca or call the Society’s regional office: (250)
564-0885.
OPTION 2: Short Radon Specific
REDUCE YOUR FAMILY’S RISK OF LUNG CANCER
Odourless, colourless and tasteless, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in
Canada. It is a naturally occurring gas that can build up to dangerous levels in people’s
homes.
The Canadian Cancer Society urges parents to reduce the risk of cancer for themselves and
their children. For more information go to www.myonething.ca or call the Society’s regional
office: (250) 564-0885.
2
OPTION 3: Tobacco and Radon
REDUCE YOUR FAMILY’S RISK OF LUNG CANCER
The Canadian Cancer Society believes people have the right to know if they are being
exposed to cancer causing substances in their homes, environment or workplaces.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, odourless cancer-causing gas that can build up in
your home. It occurs as a result of the natural decay of uranium in rocks and soil and is
particularly concerning because exposure to radon gas increases your risk of lung
cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer depends on how much radon a person is
exposed to, how long they are exposed, as well as whether or not they smoke. The risk
from radon is much higher in people who smoke than in those who don't. In fact, radon is
the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer
in non-smokers.
Exposure to radon during childhood increases the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer. If
a child lives in a home with a very high radon concentration for only a few years, the risk of
developing lung cancer later in life could be equivalent to a lifetime exposure to moderate
radon concentration. Long term exposure to 200 Bq/m3 of radon (the national safety
guideline) increases your risk of lung cancer from 1 to 2% if you are a non-smoker and from
12 to 17% if you are also a smoker. Long term exposure to 800 Bq/m3 (until 2008 this was
the national safety guideline) of radon increases your risk of lung cancer from 1 to 5% if
you are a non-smoker and from 12 to 30% if you are also a smoker.
To learn more about radon, how to test for radon, and how to mitigate your home for high
radon levels, visit myonething.ca or call the Society’s regional office: (250) 564-0885.
3