New Haven’s Healthy Homes Program to Distribute Free Radon Test Kits at Health Department this Tuesday and Thursday. 

NEW HAVEN, CT – The City of New Haven and New Haven Health Department invite residents and homeowners to pick up free educational information and free radon test kits during National Radon Awareness Week, which runs from January 23rd through 27th.

The distribution events will take place on Tuesday, January 24th and Thursday, January 26th between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the New Haven Health Department, 54 Meadow Street, while supplies last. Proof of residency or property ownership within the City of New Haven is required. If these times are not convenient, eligible residents can call 203-946-8174 to make alternate arrangements with Health Department staff to obtain a radon test kit. 

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can build up in homes and buildings putting people at risk. Anyone can develop lung cancer from long-term exposure to high radon levels.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, and nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels. Because of this impact, Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends all homes be tested for radon during the winter months.  More information on radon can also be found be found at ct.gov/radon and a video of the proper testing procedure can be found here.

“We want all New Haveners to live in safe and healthy homes, and it’s critical for residents to be informed about the serious health risks associated with radon and to test their homes for radon so that, if needed, they can take appropriate action to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “Through the city’s Healthy Homes initiative, we’ve worked hard to help ensure residents have the information, tools, and resources they need to keep their homes and apartments safe from radon, lead and other health risks. I encourage residents to stop by or contact the Health Department to learn more about radon and to pick up a free test kit this week.”

Radon awareness and prevention falls under the scope of the City’s new Healthy Homes program, established in 2022. Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond stated, “The way that houses are designed, constructed and maintained can have a profound impact on human health. Radon is a radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. To see if your home has dangerous levels of radon, you should test it. The Health Department is working to protect all New Haven residents from hazards in their homes.” 

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT:  National Radon Awareness Week: Educational Information and Free Radon Test Kit Distribution events

WHEN:  Tuesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 26, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

WHERE:  New Haven Health Department, 54 Meadow Street, New Haven, CT

WHO:

• New Haven Health Department Healthy Homes program staff 
• Rafael Ramos, Director of Environmental Health, New Haven Health Department (available for media interviews upon request)
• New Haven residents

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Press Contacts:
Bo Sandine
Public Educator
New Haven Health Department
54 Meadow Street | New Haven, CT 06519
Phone: 203-836-4344
Email: msandine@newhavenct.gov

Lenny H. Speiller
Director of Communications
Mayor Justin Elicker | City of New Haven
165 Church Street | New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: 203-725-4249
Email: Lspeiller@newhavenct.gov