Free Radon Testing Kits Available In Stamford

Via the Stamford Department of Health: STAMFORD, CT — The City of Stamford Department of Health advises residents to test their homes for radon gas — the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Health officials estimate radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States — especially among smokers exposed to radon who have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas formed from the natural decay of uranium in the environment. Stamford’s Department of Health recommends air testing for radon within residents’ homes. The majority of radon cases are found in the air, while roughly two percent of cases are found in drinking water for homes using well water.

Air testing for radon is typically recommended during the winter months when radon tends to build up indoors. Beginning in 2020, the radon program will run throughout the year as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Healthy Home Program.

Residents interested in testing their home for radon can utilize the following resources:

• Free radon air testing kits are available to homeowners from the Department of Health’s Division of Environmental Health & Inspections located at the Stamford Government Center (888 Washington Boulevard, 8th Floor).
• Residents can purchase test kits from the American Lung Association of New England by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or at a local hardware.
• Residents who use well water may choose to have their well water tested as by a private contractor.
• The DPH Radon Program produced a video, providing step-by-step instructions on how to test a home for radon
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends remediation in homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L.
• Homeowners should hire a qualified radon mitigation contractor to reduce airborne radon levels in their homes.

To learn more about radon and to obtain a list of qualified radon mitigation contractors, please visit the DPH Radon Program web site at www.ct.gov/dph/radon.