Date Published: 01/06/2020 [Source]
The City of Stamford Department of Health advises residents to test their homes for radon gas — the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Health officials estimate radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States — especially among smokers exposed to radon who have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer. Air testing for radon is typically recommended during the winter months when radon tends to build up indoors.
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas formed from the natural decay of uranium in the environment. Stamford's Department of Health recommends air testing for radon within residents' homes. The majority of radon cases are found in the air, while roughly two percent of cases are found in drinking water for homes using well water.
Residents interested in testing their home for radon can get free test kits from the Department of Health's Division of Environmental Health & Inspections.