Stamford Encourages Residents To Test Homes For Radon

Information via City of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The City of Stamford Department of Health and Human Services will be providing free radon tests for all Stamford homeowners throughout January, which is National Radon Action Month.

"I urge residents to test their homes for radon gas, which is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers," said Stamford Director of Health Jody Bishop-Pullan in a news release. "This is a key prevention strategy to reduce your chances of developing lung cancer."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, radon gas is estimated to be responsible for over 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium. It is found in rock, soil, and water.

While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil or through joints between floors and walls, and then cause health problems since it's odorless and invisible.

Testing for radon is recommended during the winter months from January to March when the gas tends to build up indoors.

Testing homes for radon is simple and inexpensive. Stamford residents may contact the Department of Health and Human Services at 203-977-2748 to receive a free test kit. Department staff will also be conducting outreach in the community.

Test kits can also be purchased from the American Lung Association of New England by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA (586-4872) or at your local hardware store.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends remediation for homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L. Homeowners should consider reducing their potential lung cancer risk with radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk for developing lung cancer.

Radon problems can be corrected by qualified radon contractors, with costs typically ranging between $1,200 and $1,500. A homeowner should hire a qualified radon mitigation contractor to decrease airborne radon levels.

To learn more about radon and to obtain a list of qualified radon mitigation contractors, click here.

For more information, check out the Stamford Department of Health and Human Services website.