Naugatuck Valley Health District Encourages Residents to Test Homes for Radon
In recognition of National Radon Action Month, Naugatuck Valley Health District joins 34 other local health departments and districts to distribute free radon home test kits to residents as part of a statewide initiative to raise awareness, increase testing, promote mitigation, and reduce the number of radon-induced lung cancer deaths in Connecticut.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless and odorless radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon can enter homes through small cracks and openings in foundations, floors, and walls, and can build up indoors to levels that pose a serious health risk. Prolonged exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind cigarette smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you smoke cigarettes and have radon in your home, your risk of developing lung cancer is even greater. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, and about 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked (https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon).
The Naugatuck Valley Health District, Connecticut Department of Public Health, American Lung Association of Connecticut, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urge residents to test their homes for radon and to mitigate elevated levels when found. The heating season is the best time to test for radon because homes are typically closed up, allowing radon levels to build up indoors. Easy-to-use, short-term testing takes about 3-7 days and includes instructions with visual aids. Return USPS shipping of the completed test kit back to a NELAP Approved Radon Lab is included with the free test kit.
Residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour or Shelton may call the Naugatuck Valley Health District at (203) 881-3255 ext. 126 to receive a FREE home radon test kit. Don’t wait! We have a limited supply of 100 FREE short-term test kits which are now available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Homebound individuals or those with limited access to transportation are encouraged to call so accommodations can be made.
Radon test kits may also be purchased by calling the American Lung Association at 1-800-325-1245, visiting www.lung.org, or stopping by a local hardware or home improvement store. Short term test kits typically cost around $20.
For additional information about radon, contact the Naugatuck Valley Health District at (203) 881-3255, the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program at (860) 509-7300, or visit www.ct.gov/dph/radon
NVHD will be sharing radon-related educational content on our Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn pages throughout the month.
Education Resources
Additional Resources as listed by CT DPH
Would a student you know enjoy a fun, educational, and creative activity? Click here for more information about the annual Connecticut Radon Poster and Video Contest.
State of Connecticut Radon Laws
Reducing the Risk from Radon: A Guide for Health Care Providers
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Radon
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Radon
American Lung Association (ALA) – Radon
Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon
CT Radon Program
The mission of the Radon Program is to promote radon awareness, testing, mitigation, and radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) throughout the state to reduce the number of radon-induced lung cancer deaths in Connecticut.To contact the Radon Program, email DPH.RadonReports@ct.gov or call (860) 509-7300https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/radon/radon-program?language=en_US |
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