Town Of Glastonbury: Ensure A Healthy Home This Year With An Annual Radon Test

Press release from the Town of Glastonbury:

01/03/2022 9:24 AM

The Glastonbury Health Department, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), urges residents to test their homes for radon gas, the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Health officials estimate that radon is responsible for more than 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. 

A naturally occurring, radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium, radon is found in rock, soil, and water. While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard when present indoors. Radon cannot be seen or smelled, therefore property owners are often unaware when it is in their homes. Radon testing and reducing elevated levels is essential for protecting the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones.

It is recommended that all Glastonbury homes be tested for radon, specifically during the winter months when radon tends to build up indoors. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive, and the Glastonbury Health Department will have free testing kits available throughout the month of January. (While supplies last.) Glastonbury residents who have not previously received a free test kit can obtain one through the Health Department. Health staff will bring the kit to your home and homeowners can send completed kits to the lab by prepaid mailer. Kit placement instructions will be provided over the phone and in written materials. Test kits will be available during the month of January or while supplies last. Test kits can also be purchased at your local hardware store, or by contacting the American Lung Association of New England at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that property owners take action for any homes with radon levels at, or above 4 pCi/L. However, homeowners should consider reducing their potential lung cancer risk by taking action in homes with radon levels between 2pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk for developing lung cancer. 

Radon problems can be corrected by qualified radon contractors, with costs typically ranging between $1,200 and $1,500. A homeowner should hire a qualified radon mitigation (reduction) contractor to decrease airborne radon levels.

To learn more about radon and obtain a list of qualified radon mitigation contractors, please visit the DPH ‘Radon Program’ website at www.ct.gov/radon. To obtain a free, in air radon test kit, please contact the Glastonbury Health Department at (860) 652-7534. Kits will be available as supplies last, and on a first come, first served basis.

The Glastonbury Health Department, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), urges residents to test their homes for radon gas, the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Health officials estimate that radon is responsible for more than 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. 

A naturally occurring, radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium, radon is found in rock, soil, and water. While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard when present indoors. Radon cannot be seen or smelled, therefore property owners are often unaware when it is in their homes. Radon testing and reducing elevated levels is essential for protecting the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones.

It is recommended that all Glastonbury homes be tested for radon, specifically during the winter months when radon tends to build up indoors. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive, and the Glastonbury Health Department will have free testing kits available throughout the month of January. (While supplies last.) Glastonbury residents who have not previously received a free test kit can obtain one through the Health Department. Health staff will bring the kit to your home and homeowners can send completed kits to the lab by prepaid mailer. Kit placement instructions will be provided over the phone and in written materials. Test kits will be available during the month of January or while supplies last. Test kits can also be purchased at your local hardware store, or by contacting the American Lung Association of New England at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that property owners take action for any homes with radon levels at, or above 4 pCi/L. However, homeowners should consider reducing their potential lung cancer risk by taking action in homes with radon levels between 2pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk for developing lung cancer. 

Radon problems can be corrected by qualified radon contractors, with costs typically ranging between $1,200 and $1,500. A homeowner should hire a qualified radon mitigation (reduction) contractor to decrease airborne radon levels.

To learn more about radon and obtain a list of qualified radon mitigation contractors, please visit the DPH ‘Radon Program’ website at www.ct.gov/radon. To obtain a free, in air radon test kit, please contact the Glastonbury Health Department at (860) 652-7534. Kits will be available as supplies last, and on a first come, first served basis.

This press release was produced by the Town of Glastonbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.