By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
City Health Director Maureen B. Lillis is encouraging residents to protect their health by testing their homes for radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon is a colorless, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium. It is found in rock, water and soil.
While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings, Lillis said.
Lillis said testing for the presence of radon in the home is recommended in the winter months.
A limited number of free radon test kits have been made available to West Haven residents by the state Department of Public Health. To receive a test kit, call the city Health Department at 203-937-3660.
A sanitarian from the department will deliver the kit and help place it in the home, Lillis said.
To learn more about radon, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Radon/Radon-Program.