Health Department Has Life-Saving Test Kits For Farmington Valley Residents

CANTON, CT — Farmington Valley Health District, which is based in Canton but oversees 10 area towns, has some devices that might save your life.

The FVHD recently announced that free radon test kits are available at five sites in the district's jurisdiction.

The FVHD serves Avon, Canton, Simsbury, Farmington, Granby, East Granby, Hartland, New Hartford, Barkhamsted, and Colebrook.

Radon is a clear, odorless, naturally occurring gas caused by the decomposition of radioactive uranium deep underground.

It can seep into basements and accumulate in homes if there isn't sufficient ventilation.

Radon exposure is the leading cause of cancer deaths among non-smokers, according to the FVHD.

In fact, the health department estimates that 25 percent of homes in Farmington Valley have unsafe radon levels.

The test kits detect unsafe levels of radon and are used to determine if further action, such as ventilation work, is necessary.

The kits are available at the following sites:

• Avon: Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon.

• Canton: Farmington Valley Health District, 95 River Road, Suite C, Canton.

• Barkhamsted: Town of Barkhamsted Building Department, 67 Ripley Hill Road, Barkhamsted.

• Granby: Town of Granby Building Department, 15 North Granby Road, Granby.

• Hartland: Hartland Town Hall, 22 South Road, East Hartland.

For more information, click on the Farmington Valley Health District's website at this link.