Radon measuring devices offered free to homeowners

MIDDLETOWN — Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. When emitted into open air, radon is rendered virtually harmless. However, when it becomes trapped into an enclosed structure such as a house, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers in this country. The EPA estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 Americans to die from lung cancer each year. If you smoke, and your home has an elevated radon level, your risk of lung cancer may be even higher.

One out of every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated level of radon. Your neighbor’s house may not have a radon problem, but you might. The only sure way to know if your home has a radon problem, is to perform a simple test. And if a problem is found, fixing it is usually not complicated.

The city’s health department is offering a free radon test kit to Middletown residents who have not previously tested their homes for radon gas. In order to obtain your test kit, you must own a home in Middletown and have not yet tested for radon. Supplies are limited (one test kit per person) and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Test kits must be picked up inperson at the Middletown Health Department, Room B17, City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive, weekdays from 8:30a.m.-4:30 p.m. Proof of residency will be required.