Jump to comment:
- Page navigation anchor for RE: Radon gas - the hidden killer (July 2018)RE: Radon gas - the hidden killer (July 2018)
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Dr. Garcia-Rodriguez for raising the important public health issue of radon gas and its role in lung cancer.
In addition to the information shared in the article, I encourage family physicians to implement radon screening as they would other screening interventions. This includes discussing the risks of the screening intervention with patients.
There are two significant risks to radon screening which I believe are important to convey to patients. Firstly, physicians should be aware of the applicable real estate law as it relates to property disclosure statements in their province. A patient who is aware of high radon levels in their home may have a legal obligation to disclose this information to potential buyers, which may impact property value. Secondly, physicians should understand if their patients have the financial means to undertake radon mitigation should levels be elevated. This is imperative with respect to informed decision-making.
I agree with Dr. Garcia-Rodriguez that advocacy with the federal and provincial government to support health equity in access to radon mitigation strategies continues to be important.
Jessica Hopkins, MD MHSc CCFP FRCPC
Public Health and Family PhysicianCompeting Interests: None declared.