The radon screeners are available again for loan on October 1, 2023.
Note: If you do not want to wait to borrow a free device from the library, you can purchase a long term test kit. Take Action on Radon has a list of several providers on their website.
Thanks to support from Central Plains Cancer Services, Portage la Prairie Regional Library is proud to launch Radon Screening Kits as materials patrons can borrow.
The intent of this program is to increase awareness about radon and encourage people to test their homes. The majority of people’s exposure occurs where they live. The digital monitors allow people to explore radon “in real time” and the kits come with information about radon, factors that influence radon levels indoors and strategies to reduce exposure.
What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground and can build up in homes undetected. Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
What is in the Radon Screening Kit?
The kit includes a Corentium Home electronic monitoring device and an instruction booklet. More information on the Radon Screening Program can be found at
- Breathe – Manitoba Lung Association
- Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST)
- TakeActiononRadon.ca
Where do I put the screener?
The screening device should be placed in rooms at the lowest level of your home where you and your family spend a lot of time, for at least 7 days. Putting the device near a window, door or air vent, or in direct sunlight, may impact the reading.
Borrowing a Kit
Interested in borrowing a Radon Screening Kit? Visit the library and ask a staff member for more information, or visit the online catalogue and search for Radon.
These kits have a 2 week loan period and are non-renewable. Please note that the kits will not be available from May 1st to September 30th as they are not effective at screening during the warmer months.
We also ask once you have borrowed the Radon Screening Program to complete the anonymous online survey. We want to continue to further educate the public about radon levels in Manitoba and to continue to improve on this program!