January is Radon Awareness Month
January is National Radon Action Month, and your state and local health department urge you to learn more about radon—a leading cause of lung cancer—and test for radon in your home.
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas released in soil, rock, and water from the breakdown of uranium and is found throughout the US. It can be drawn into homes and other buildings through cracks and other openings in the foundation. Exposure to elevated levels of radon has been shown to cause lung damage and cancer in humans. According to the CDC, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
You cannot see, taste, or smell radon, so the only way to tell if you have a radon problem in your home is to test for it. Testing involves placing a small device in your home for at least 48 hours and then sending the device to a laboratory for results. If you cannot get a kit from the Health Department, some low-cost testing kits are available from the American Lung Association’s online store (lung.org). You can also get testing kits at your local hardware store.
If radon levels are high (4 pCi/L or higher), CT DPH strongly recommends that homeowners hire a professional to help lower the levels. These professionals are trained to reduce radon in homes by using ventilation and depressurization systems and other techniques.
Roxbury Conservation Commission, in collaboration with the Minor Memorial Library, held a virtual Radon Informational session on Thursday, January 25th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Speaker Amanda Parkins from CT Dept of Public Health provided a link to the recording of the presentation, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rLr7eI7rkE
Limited Number of Free Radon Test Kits Available
In collaboration with the CT Department of Public Health, the Newtown Health District will be distributing a limited number of free radon test kits for Newtown, Bridgewater and Roxbury residents during the last two weeks of January.
Interested Health District residents should email the office at health.district@newtown-ct.gov to reserve their kit. Once the District office has confirmed an available test kit, that resident will be instructed when and where they can come pick up their reserved kit.
Limit one kit per household, while supplies last.
All participants will be required to provide their name, address and contact information so Health District staff can follow up with confirmation, radon information, reminders to use the test and any other guidance.
For more information and a list of radon professionals please visit · CT DPH Radon Program: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Radon/Radon-Program