Deadly Gas Topic Of Southington Health Department Program

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The local health department is hosting a program at the Southington Public Library on Tuesday about a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that could kill you.

The South Central Health District will be at the library, 255 Main St., Southington, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

There, guests will be able to learn about the dangers of radon gas, how to test your home, and steps to reduce risk.

Radon is colorless and odorless and it is formed by the natural decomposition of uranium deep underground.

It can, however, filter up through the ground and into home foundations, creating dangerous conditions for those who breathe it in, unknowingly, over a long period.

Radon gas is considered the second-leading cause of lung cancer outside of smoking.

If radon is detected and the levels are too high, homeowners must install air circulation systems to ventilate the gas to mitigate the hazards.

Free testing kits will be provided to attendees courtesy of the health department, with limits of one per attendee, who must be residents of Southington, Plainville, or Middlefield (the district's service towns).

For more information on the dangers of radon gas, click on this link.