Oakville Cancer Radon Gas Joshua Creek Rumor Explained
In Oakville’s Joshua Creek neighborhood, alarming messages about cancer rates and environmental hazards are stirring concern. Recently, TikTok creator Mario Zelaya shared a message from a resident and cancer survivor in the area, stating:
“I look at your videos and I appreciate what you’re doing. I was wondering if you can give me a call or text me back as I need to speak to you about cancer. I’m a cancer survivor and I live in Oakville in my area. There is about 30 of us that has cancer. I need your help in terms of finding out why there is so many people with cancer in my area. I talked to my doctor about it and they brushed it off. I live in Joshua Creek area, a new developed area in the last 15 years. I’m upset about this because I know of 10 people that died from cancer in my immediate area; six of us on my street alone has cancer or had cancer, and a few of my neighbors already died from cancer.”
In response to the TikTok post, many viewers shared similar stories about cancer cases among their families and neighbors in Oakville. Some pointed to potential environmental factors, such as radon gas or pollution, as possible contributors.
Adding to this, a former Halton Region environmental employee reached out to Zelaya, suggesting a link between cancer concerns and local industry. This individual allegedly noted:
“It’s not just Joshua Creek; it’s all of the east side of Oakville because of the various plants, water purification plant, Petro Canada refinery, cement factory—all in south-east Oakville / Mississauga border. I used to work for the Halton Region in the environmental department, and I remember reading an environmental study regarding cancer occurrences in this area. It wasn’t conclusive, but it is definitely scary.”
@officialmariozelaya This is a very concerning message to receive. But if you live in OAKVILLE, particularly the Joshua Creek area you may want to share this message. Because the numbers that they are sharing, sound concerning to me and seems like something Health Canada or someone needs to look into ##oakville##ontario##canada ♬ original sound – Mario Zelaya
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, produced by the decay of uranium in rocks, soil, and water. It can enter homes through small cracks and openings, accumulating to potentially harmful levels indoors. The gas is known to increase the risk of lung cancer, with radon exposure linked to up to 14% of lung cancer cases, depending on environmental levels and smoking rates. You can buy a Radon test kit on Amazon Canada here if you want to test the levels of Radon in your home and particularly in your basement.
Image Credit: https://canadaradon.com/pages/ontario-radon-map
Does Oakville Have High Levels of Radon?
In the Halton Region, which includes Oakville, radon levels have generally been reported lower than those of some other Ontario regions. From 2009 to 2013, only about 4.1% of homes in Halton tested for radon had levels above the WHO’s action level of 100 Bq/m³. Canada Radon Cancer Care Ontario. While this is reassuring, radon levels can vary significantly between homes, making testing a critical step in determining specific exposure risks.
Air Quality Concerns and Industrial Proximity
Aside from radon, other environmental concerns are affecting Oakville, particularly in the Clarkson Airshed area. This region, which includes eastern Oakville and neighboring Mississauga, has industrial sites like cement factories, refineries, and water treatment plants. Residents have voiced concerns over emissions and potential carcinogens from these sites, contributing to Oakville’s air quality worries.
Radon Testing Oakville
Testing for radon in homes remains a proactive measure for Oakville residents. Short-term and long-term radon test kits are available for purchase, providing varying levels of accuracy. If elevated radon levels are detected (above 200 Bq/m³), experts recommend installing a radon mitigation system, which can help lower the exposure to safer levels.
While no conclusive evidence links cancer rates in Joshua Creek to radon or industrial activity, these messages are reigniting calls for comprehensive environmental reviews in Oakville. Radon testing and awareness remain essential for residents, especially those living near potential environmental hazards.
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Feature Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay