STRATFORD — Radon test kits are available to residents for $10 at the Health Department along with additional information and giveaways.
Residents also may buy kits at hardware or home improvement stores. Look for a radon kit that meets EPA requirements: visit www.epa.gov/radon or contact the Radon Hotline at 800-SOS-RADON.
For more information, contact Maureen Whelan at the Health Department at 203-385-4090, or visit the department, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye St.
In the U.S., it is estimated that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes has elevated radon levels, but Stratford residents are particularly vulnerable to radon exposure because of the naturally occurring bedrock formations in the area, according to a press release.
Fairfield County has the highest potential for elevated radon levels in Connecticut, the release said. Radon problems can be eliminated, often by caulking leaks around basement foundations, sealing leaks around pipes and taking other steps to prevent radon from entering the home through areas that have immediate contact with the ground.
"Exposure to radon can be a very preventable health risk. I urge residents to utilize our Health Department resources to identify their risk and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from radon exposure" Lisa Pippa, director of health, said in the release. She added that "the only way to know about your home is to test, and the good news is that testing for radon is simple and inexpensive."

Editor's note: The information in this post was contributed.