Waterbury Health Department Offering Free Radon Test Kits

I was a homeowner for many years in Waterbury, and the first time that I remember ever hearing about Radon was in the 90's?

If you're unfamiliar, according the the Connecticut Department of Public health, Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas which is released when Uranium breaks down in rock, water, and soil. Outdoors it can dissipate, but if it infiltrates your home, it can build up.

An elevated level of Radon in your home may effect the health of you and your family. Inhaling Radon may damage your lungs. Exposure from it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the United States. If you are a smoker and your home has elevated levels of Radon, your chance of getting lung cancer is much higher.

High concentrations of Radon do occur here in the state of Connecticut. The only way to truly know if your home has elevated levels of Radon is to get tested. Fortunately, there are free testing kits being made available to you right now. It's easy too. All you have to do is open the package, place the Radon detector in the basement or first floor of your place, let it sit for a couple of days, and send it back.

For Waterbury residents, all you have to do to get your free Radon test kit is to call the Waterbury Health Department Environmental Division at 203-346-3903 and give them some basic information.

The best time of the year to test for Radon in Connecticut is in the colder months, when your place is closed up to keep the warmth in. Radon does pose a serious risk. Call and get a free test kit, protect yourself against this invisible danger.