For Immediate Release:
The Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD) is teaming up with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas and to provide residents with the opportunity to test their homes for this silent threat, known as the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths.
In collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CT DPH, HVHD is pleased to announce the distribution of a limited number of free radon test kits. Residents can pick up one test kit per household at HVHD’s New Milford office located at 10 Main Street, New Milford, CT 06776, or at the Southbury office situated at 77 Main Street N #205, Southbury, CT 06488, during normal business hours.
Radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas resulting from the breakdown of uranium in the soil, can accumulate to dangerous levels when trapped in enclosed spaces like homes. According to EPA estimates, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall, responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually.
Amy Bethge, Director of Health at HVHD, emphasizes the importance of testing, stating, “Understanding the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon levels is crucial. Lung cancer can affect anyone, making it imperative to be informed about potential dangers in your home. By actively testing for radon, you not only take a proactive step toward preventing lung cancer but also equip yourself with knowledge that can save lives, including your own and those of your loved ones. Pick up a free radon test kit today, and empower yourself with the education needed to create a safer and healthier living environment.”
The free radon test kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are encouraged to visit HVHD’s website at www.hvhdct.gov/environmental-health/radon/ or call 203-264-9616 for more information.
Take the proactive step towards a healthier home – test for radon today.
The Housatonic Valley Health District serves New Milford, Oxford, Southbury, Washington, and Woodbury. The Housatonic Valley Health District’s mission is to create better health outcomes and promote the highest attainable standard of health. It accomplishes this through three principles: prevention, education, and outreach. HVHD prevents disease, injury, and disability for its communities through regular inspections of public and private businesses and homes to ensure conditions exist where people can be healthy. HVHD uses education to inform the public and health practitioners on public health best practices, policy information, and the impacts and methods of prevention for the spread of communicable diseases. HVHD conducts outreach to engage their communities that experience obstacles in accessing the public health services they need, deliver vaccines to the community, and advocate for needed and beneficial health policies.
