Radon

Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless naturally occurring gas that enters homes through cracks and holes in the foundation. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths overall in the United States. Testing is the only way to find out if your home has radon.   

Nearly 25% of homes in the Farmington Valley Health District have unsafe radon levels. 

Thankfully, testing is easy! Radon tests can be purchased at your local hardware stores or from online retailers, including here. Every test brand has slightly different instructions, but generally homeowners will leave the radon test kit for three to seven days, undisturbed, in the lowest level of their home that they regularly use and then mail the test kit to the lab for analysis.  

For more information on radon, including next steps you should take if you have high radon levels in your home, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the American Lung Association.  

Starting in January 2025, the FVHD will partner with local libraries across the Farmington Valley to offer free, easy to use radon test kits to residents. Check back here in January for a list of where you can pick up a test!