Protect Your Health: Learn About Radon This January
Radon Awareness Month is the perfect time to take steps to protect your family from this invisible hazard. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes from the soil and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Read on to learn more about radon and how HVHD can help you stay safe.
Free Radon Test Kits Available Through HVHD
As part of Radon Awareness Month, HVHD is offering free radon test kits to residents, supplies are limited!
How to Get Your Kit
- Visit our offices (Southbury – 77 Main Street N, Southbury, CT; New Milford – 10 Main Street, New Milford, CT) during business hours to pick up your test kit. You can call 203.264.9616 or email eht@hvhdct.gov to reserve your kit in advance.
- Test your home easily with our step-by-step guide included in the kit.
- Return your test kit to the lab within 1-2 weeks.
Why Test for Radon? Testing is the only way to know if radon is present in your home. The test is simple, and results can help you take steps to protect your loved ones.
Radon Facts: What You Need to Know
- Radon is a naturally occurring gas that enters homes through cracks and openings in the foundation.
- Radon levels can vary significantly between homes—even in the same neighborhood.
- Long-term exposure to radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, especially for non-smokers.
What Can You Do?
- Test your home for radon.
- Mitigate high radon levels with professional help.
- Retest your home every few years or after making structural changes.
Learn more about radon risks and solutions at the EPA’s radon information page: https://www.epa.gov/radon
Radon Zone Map Data: What It Means for Our Community
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified radon risk levels across the country using a Radon Zone Map.
- Zone 1 (Highest Risk): Predicted indoor radon levels above 4 pCi/L.
- Zone 2 (Moderate Risk): Predicted indoor radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
- Zone 3 (Low Risk): Predicted indoor radon levels below 2 pCi/L.
Our HVHD Town Region: According to the EPA’s Radon Zone Map, HVHD towns, which reside within Litchfield and New Haven counties, fall within Zone 2 (Litchfield County) and Zone 1 (New Haven County). This highlights the importance of testing your home for radon.
Explore the EPA’s Radon Zone Map to learn more: https://gispub.epa.gov/radon/
CT DEEP’s Potential Radon Map: HVHD Towns
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and the Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey published an Indoor Radon Potential Map of Connecticut at the end of 1997. Radon potential ratings are derived from a computerized spatial analysis of bedrock geology, surficial materials, and surface radioactivity mapping, with indoor air and bedrock well water radon data.
This map is intended for planning purposes and is not suitable for site specific analyses.
Radon Resources
Here’s how you can learn more and take action to protect your home and family:
- Connecticut DPH Radon Program – Find guidelines for testing, radon mitigation tips, and contact certified professionals here.
- American Lung Association – Purchase discounted radon test kits at their Radon Test Kit Store.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Access general radon information and steps to mitigate risks at EPA’s Radon Page.
- Connecticut Radon Mitigation Professionals – Contact certified experts through the CT DPH Radon Program.
Stay Involved with HVHD Programs
HVHD is here to support your health and well-being year-round. Don’t miss these programs and services:
Join Public Health nurses Heidi and Emily to learn about what radon is, the dangers of radon and how to test your home with our free test kits.
- New Milford Senior Center Date: January 8th Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
- Southbury Senior Center Date: January 9th Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Woodbury Senior Center Date: January 17th Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Visit our website for more information and to register for upcoming events.
