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Fernie Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory melts Elk Valley hearts
1221 7 Ave, Hwy 3 Fernie WWW.FERNIEPIZZAANDPASTA.COM
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From left: Manager Jess Norman, co-owner Martin Brock and cook Riley Juhasz prepare for Valentines Day at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. For the full story and more photos, turn to page 21. Photo by K. Dingman
Health Canada gives radon presentation By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
M
embers of Health Canada delivered an informative session to Elk Valley residents on the dangers of radon exposure last Wednesday at the Seniors Drop-In Centre in Sparwood. Over 60 locals, including Coun. Lois Halko and Coun. Brad Bowen, were in attendance. Winnie Cheng, Regional Radiation Specialist for Health Canada, went over the factors that can contribute to household radon exposure and its effects, which includes lung cancer development. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 3,200 Canadians
die each year from lung cancer developed by radon exposure. Radon itself is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium deposits in soil, rock and groundwater. It seeps into households through the ground and has no scent or visible colour. The current national guideline for radon in indoor air is 200 becquerels per cubic meter (200 Bq/m3). A Health Canada study conducted through 14,000 radon tests in homes across the country found that 19 per cent of homes tested in the East Kootenay Health Region showed results above the 200 Bq/m3 limit. Concerned residents asked questions regarding this study
following the presentation. Cheng said that data for some areas is not conclusive of the overall level of radon found in any given community and that the radon level can differ from household to household. “Two identically built homes side by side can have remarkably different radon levels,” said Cheng. “There are a number of factors that could influence the level of radon in a home.” She listed the level of uranium deposits in the ground, the permeability of the soil upon which the house is built, the number and size of openings in the household through which radon can seep and the heating and ventilation systems
in a home as contributors. Cheng also cautioned that radon accumulation is highest in the winter when doors and windows are closed against cold weather, making the winter season the best time to conduct testing. The purpose of the session, according to Manager of Planning for the district, Nelson Wight, was to gain a better understanding of radon. “The message to take away is that our region has neither the highest nor the lowest background levels of radon in the country, but regardless of where you live in Canada, everyone should be testing their homes for radon,” said Wight. Continued on page 2
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31ST
Helly Hansen Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Helly Hansen has hidden all sorts of virtual gear throughout the resort...jackets, baselayers, gloves, hats...use the HH app to find their locations first and it will be yours! Visit the Events Calendar at skifernie.com for details.
Sports Alpine Retail Shop
HELMET SPECIAL!
Bring in your old helmet and get 10% off a new Giro or Smith helmet