Health & Fitness
NVHD Offering Free Radon Test Kits
January is National Radon Action Month and the Naugatuck Valley Health District (NVHD) is urging residents to test their homes
From CT Department of Health: To kick off National Radon Action Month, the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Connecticut residents to test their homes for radon gas, the leading national environmental cause of cancer mortality. Health officials estimate that radon is responsible for more than 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
“Because you can’t see, taste, or smell radon, people are often unaware that this silent killer could be in their homes,” said Allison Sullivan with DPH’s Lead, Radon and Healthy Homes Program. “That is why testing for radon and reducing elevated levels is so important, and could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.”
The EPA recommends that homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L be fixed. Homeowners should consider reducing their potential lung cancer risk by fixing homes with radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk for developing lung cancer.
The DPH Radon Program recommends that all Connecticut homes be tested for radon. Testing is recommended in the winter months. Testing homes for radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon kits can also be purchased from the American Lung Association by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA or at your local hardware store.
Questions regarding radon can be directed to Jamie Luckhardt at NVHD, 203-881-3255. Additional information can be found by visiting the DPH Radon Program website at ct.gov/radon.
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