New Brunswick’s groundbreaking free radon testing initiative has received an overwhelming response, with several libraries running out of test kits just two days after the program’s launch. The province, which became the first in Canada to offer publicly funded radon testing, is now rushing to restock.
“Thirty-five libraries in New Brunswick Public Library Service have temporarily run out of kits and additional test kits are being shipped today and tomorrow,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. “Anyone who wants a kit will get one as more kits have been ordered.”
Radon is an invisible, odourless gas formed naturally from the breakdown of radioactive metals in rocks, soil, and groundwater. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, as well as the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.
Melanie Langille, president and CEO of NB Lung, praised the province’s initiative but said the initial supply was insufficient. “We’re thrilled New Brunswick has launched this program – a first in Canada – but disappointed the supply wasn’t enough,” she said, urging the province to quickly replenish kits. “It’s so important to test your home for radon because every home in contact with the ground has some level of radon. The question is how much?”
Health Canada’s recent survey found that one in five Canadian homes exceed the national guideline of 200 Bq/m³. In New Brunswick, the figure is even higher at one in four homes. Many families cannot afford to purchase their own kits, which is why advocates have long called for a publicly funded program.
Heather Hogan, a longtime lung cancer patient and advocate, has been pushing for broader access to testing and mitigation. Her home of over 30 years tested at 430 Bq/m³ — more than double Health Canada’s limit — leading her family to install a $4,400 mitigation system. She hopes the government will also consider offering grants to help homeowners offset the cost of mitigation.
Jeff LeBlanc, president of Radon Repair in Moncton, said the program is generating much-needed awareness. He explained that mitigation typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000 and involves installing a fan system to draw radon out from beneath the house and release it outdoors. He added that while government kits are free, certified professionals also offer testing services, and some businesses have already seen cancellations due to the new program.
Despite the early supply crunch, officials say more kits are on the way, ensuring that all New Brunswickers who want to test their homes will be able to do so. The rapid uptake underscores the growing public recognition of radon as a serious health risk — and the urgent demand for accessible testing.