Keep it Free of Dangerous Chemicals and Gases

Spotlight: January is National Radon Action Month. Test Your Home for Radon! 

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium. Radon gas seeps into homes and buildings through cracks and holes in the foundation and other structural supports. Being exposed to radon gas over an extended period of time is dangerous for your health. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and leading cause of lung cancer amongst non-smokers. 

Radon levels can vary home to home. The only way to know your homes radon level is to conduct a radon test. The best time to test for radon is during the winter months, when your home is closed up and windows are not open. In partnership with the CT Department of Public Health, the Norwalk Health Department offers free radon testing kits to Norwalk residents while supplies last. To receive a radon testing kit, complete this short survey. Radon tests are also available for purchase at your local hardware store or through the American Lung Association here. Learn more about radon here!

How Dangerous Chemicals and Gases Can Affect Your Health

If you breathe, swallow, or touch dangerous chemicals or gases, they can:

  • Cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue, depression, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs
  • Burn your skin
  • Damage your liver, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system
  • Cause cancer in various parts of your body
  • Lead to convulsions, coma and death

How to Know if You Have a Problem

Chemicals might pose a danger in your home if:

  • Your household products contain strong fragrances and harsh chemicals, with labels that say Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison (Danger and Poison are the most dangerous).
  • People smoke in and around your home.
  • You have peeling, flaking, or chalking paint in a home built before 1978 that may contain lead.
  • You test your home for radon and find high levels.

How to Fix the Problem

  • Use the safest possible household products, including homemade “green” products with ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, liquid castile soap and salt.
  • Read product warning labels carefully, and follow directions for use, storage, and disposal.
  • Keep chemicals in their original containers, and never remove labels.
  • Keep dangerous household chemicals out of children’s reach.
  • Do not use air fresheners or other products with fragrances or aerosol sprays.
  • Post the phone number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) near every phone and program the number into cell phones.
  • Do not allow smoking in or around your home.
  • If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead paint.
  • Test for radon, and install systems to remove it if necessary.

For more Information:

To Learn more about Radon: