New partnership pushing to protect Wellington County homes from radon
Posted Oct 22, 2025 10:08:17 AM.
Last Updated Oct 22, 2025 10:42:40 AM.
A new partnership and a local challenge are looking to protect families across Wellington County from the silent and hidden dangers of radon.
The colourless, odourless gas forms naturally in the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock and can seep into homes and enclosed spaces not well-ventilated.
The partnership comes from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDG Public Health), alongside the Wellington County Library and Take Action on Radon, teaming up for the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge.
The effort is in a push to spur residents across Wellington County to be better informed and better protected against radon.
“As the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, radon can pose a serious risk to you and your family, but there are steps you can take to ensure your home is safe,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
WDG Public Health stated that up to 15 per cent of homes across Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph tested above the recommended guidelines for radon, slightly higher at 18 per cent for Guelph in particular.
Experts say the only proper way to protect against the danger is to measure the presence of it in a home through the use of a radon test kit.
“By using a radon test kit, people can better understand their risks and take proper action to protect their households,” Dr. Mercer stated.
The 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge is looking to give out those 100 test kits on a first-come-first-serve basis to residents in Wellington County, solely available to those who register through the WDG Public Health website.
“The Wellington County Library is pleased to partner with WDG Public Health,” said Rebecca Hine, Chief Librarian, Wellington County. “By providing free test kits to residents, we’re empowering our community to take simple steps that can make their homes safer and healthier.”
As part of the challenge, even for those who don’t pick up a test kit, the partnership is encouraging all residents across Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph to learn more about radon and to spread awareness of its dangers, as well as how to test their own homes.
Other test kits can be purchased online through various Canadian vendors. More information on the challenge, the partnership, and the ongoing initiative can be found on the WDG Public Health website.
