Guilford Health Department Offering Limited Supply on Free Radon Kits

Are you aware February is National Radon Month? Guilford Health Department is currently offering a limited supply of free radon test kits on a first-come, first-served basis in support of the annual recognition.

Health Director Dennis Johnson is urging residents to take advantage of this offer, particularly since Guilford tends to have more radon compared to other towns in the state.

"Guilford is located in a bedrock-rich area where elevated levels of radon gas in homes can be common," Johnson said. "Most of Connecticut is located in a zone where there is a moderate to high potential for having a radon issue in the air or water of one's home, yet very few people are testing for radon. This is a good time to test."

Johnson explained radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is dispersed outdoors, but can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. It enters homes through small cracks and other openings through a basement or foundation.

High levels can have an increase on the risk of lung cancer and public health officials have found that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., just behind cigarette smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. The ingestion of drinking water containing radon also presents a risk of internal organ cancers, primarily stomach cancer.

According to Johnson, the only way to find out if your home has radon is to test for it and winter is the best time to test because your home is closed up and the ground surrounding your house is frozen. The frozen ground around your home allows radon gas to enter a house through small cracks in the basement floor and rise into the living space, similar to the chimney effect of a fireplace.

Test kits and radon education materials can be picked up at the Guilford Health Department, 50 Boston Street. Contact the Health Department at 203-453-8118. You can also purchase a test kit by calling the American Lung Association of Connecticut directly at 1-800-LUNG USA or by visiting www.alact.org.