NB Lung’s Landmark Role in Cross-Canada Radon Survey
When the Cross-Canada Radon Survey was updated, it painted a sobering picture of radon levels across the nation, but it also highlighted the power of collaboration. As New Brunswick’s leading lung health charity, NB Lung is proud to have been a significant contributor to this vital study, which provides actionable insights into radon exposure in Canadian homes. Our contribution is a testament to the effectiveness of local action in addressing national health challenges.
NB Lung’s Exceptional Contribution
Radon testing data from approximately 4,000 new Atlantic Region properties were added to the most recent survey, with nearly 75% of this data coming directly from NB Lung customers. These results were made possible by individuals who purchased radon test kits through NB Lung and consented to anonymously share their results separated from identifiable information.
Despite New Brunswick accounting for just 1.96% of Canada’s population, NB Lung contributed 4% of the data points to this national survey. This means our province’s contribution was more than twice as large as expected based on population size. It’s a clear reflection of the incredible work being done in New Brunswick to promote radon awareness and testing.
Source: Cross-Canada Radon Survey (https://crosscanadaradon.ca/survey/)
A Collaboration for Better Science
The updated Cross-Canada Radon Survey was conducted by the University of Calgary in collaboration with Health Canada and radon partners across the country. This edition represents a significant improvement over the 2012 report, which included only 839 usable radon test results from New Brunswick.
By incorporating data from local organizations like NB Lung, the survey benefited from thousands of additional data points, providing a clearer picture of radon levels across Canada. This collaboration has laid the groundwork for ongoing updates to the survey as new results continue to be shared.
Source: Cross-Canada Radon Survey (https://crosscanadaradon.ca/survey/)
Radon Levels in Atlantic Canada: A Closer Look
The Atlantic Region contains some of the highest radon levels in the country, with 1 in 3 households exceeding Health Canada’s actionable threshold of 200 Bq/m³. New Brunswick’s geology plays a key role, leading to a weighted geometric mean radon level of 99.4 Bq/m³, with 24.6% of homes testing at or above the actionable level.
These numbers are alarming, particularly given New Brunswick’s already high lung cancer rates. However, they also highlight the importance of our advocacy and the impact of community-driven testing initiatives.
The Role of Community Testing and Advocacy
NB Lung is a leader in promoting radon awareness and testing in New Brunswick, facilitating radon testing initiatives and building local partnerships that create capacity for local solutions. In addition to offering radon test kits, we’ve provided free testing drives across the province when funding has allowed. Thanks to our partnership with RPC Laboratories in 2022, for example, radon kits are now analysed in Fredericton, eliminating the need to send completed tests to the US for processing and ensuring faster, more efficient results.
As a charity, our primary focus remains on supporting lung health patients and their families, which means radon initiatives and advocacy rely heavily on external support and donations. Our advocacy efforts have also led to significant policy changes. Most recently (28th November 2024), the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly voted unanimously in support of a motion urging the government to make free 90-day radon gas tests accessible to the general public and exploring ways to support individuals with radon gas mitigation. This represents a huge step forward, but there’s still work to be done to make this policy a reality.
Recently, the New Brunswick government announced plans to provide free radon test kits to residents—a direct outcome of years of collaborative work and public pressure during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Looking Ahead – New Brunswick Government’s Commitment to Radon Testing
Radon-induced lung cancer is preventable. Testing your home today is the number 1 thing you can do to take steps toward preventing lung cancer for your family and loved ones. The data NB Lung contributed to the Cross-Canada Radon Survey doesn’t just inform—it saves lives by guiding homeowners and policymakers toward effective solutions.
We’re committed to continuing this work, sharing hundreds of additional results with the survey team, and advocating for mitigation support for New Brunswickers. Together, we can ensure more families have access to the tools they need to make their homes safer.
Take Action Today
The number one thing you can do today is to test your home for radon with a radon test kit from NB Lung – a small portion will support our programs and radon advocacy initiatives.
Additionally, you can send a letter to your MLA urging swift policy changes to protect New Brunswickers (See our Advocacy Page).
Finally, you can Donate today directly either in person, online, or over the phone to help us do more. Join the movement to make New Brunswick a healthier place for everyone. Together, we’ve already made incredible strides—imagine what we can achieve next!
Test Your Home For Radon
There is no mechanism in place, nor any timelines to provide free testing kits, so in the mean time, purchase your test kits here.