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Archive for the ‘safety’ Category

Towns throughout the state under ‘boil water advisory’

Thursday, September 1, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

State health officials today announced that 91 small public drinking water systems in the
state — including some in Greenwich, New Milford, Ridgefield and Bethel are under a boil water advisory.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) is monitoring these systems and working to contact other small public drinking water systems to determine their status and offer assistance as needed.
Here is a full list of systems under advisory:
• Ashford Hills Associates, LLC, Ashford
• Birch Hills Condominiums, Ashford
• Woodlawn Apartments, LLC, Ashford
• Mar-Lea Park Apts, Ashford
• Elmwood Court LLC, Bethel
• 168 Boston Turnpike, Bolton
• Brooklyn Manor, Brooklyn
• Gorman Road Apartments, Brooklyn
• Knollbrook Village Elderly Housing, Canterbury
• Cedar Grove Mobile Home Park, Clinton
• Evergreen Trailer Park – System #1, Clinton
• Nod Hill Apartments, Clinton
• Evergreen Trailer Park – System #2, Clinton
• Evergreen Trailer Park – System #3, Clinton
• Evergreen Trailer Park – System #4, Clinton
• Goodrich Mobile Home Park ,Clinton
• Colchester Courtyards, Colchester
• Kugeman Village, Cornwall
• CTWC – Pilgrim Hills Division, Coventry
• Twin Hills Water District, Coventry
• Hill Hollow Association, Durham
• Metacomet Homes-Well 2, East Granby
• East Haddam Elementary School, East Haddam
• Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School, East Haddam
• Neipsic Woods Water Association, Glastonbury
• Greenwich Reform Synagogue, Greenwich
• Lakeview Mobile Home Park, Griswold
• Colonial Efficiency Apartments, Groton
• Rogers Mobile Home Park, Groton
• Quonnipaug Hills – Lower System, Guilford
• Quonnipaug Hills – Section I, Guilford
• Young Horizons Daycare, Haddam
• High Meadow, Haddam
• Garden Lane Apartments, Harwinton
• Abby Water LLC, Hebron
• Hebron Arms Apartments, Hebron
• Hillside Condominiums, Hebron
• CTWC – Christ Lutheran Church, Hebron
• Country Manor Apartments, Hebron
• Wellswood Estates Foundation, Inc, Hebron
• Killingworth Kids Center ,Killingworth
• Carefree Homeowners Association, Lebanon
• St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Madison
• Knollwood Acres Apartments, Mansfield
• Orchard Acres Association, Mansfield
• Club House Apartments, Mansfield
• Woods Edge Apartments, LLC, Mansfield
• Maplewood Apartments, Mansfield
• Renwood Condominiums, Mansfield
• Mansfield Village, LLC, Mansfield
• Reja – Rainbow Spring Water Company, Middlefield
• Oakridge Gardens, LLC, Montville
• Oakridge Village, Montville
• Thompson Hill Water Co – Beechwood A, Montville
• St. Thomas More School-The Cove, Montville
• SCWA, Seven Oaks (Oak), Montville
• United Water Ct, Inc.-Indian Ridge Sys, New Milford
• Candlewood Trails Association, New Milford
• Newtown Village, Newtown
• Meadowbrook Terrace Mobile Home Pa, Newtown
• SCWA, Cedar Ridge Division, North Stonington
• Stonington Institute – Main Building, North Stonington
• Chadwick Homeowners Assn., Inc., Old Lyme
• Mile Creek Apartments, Old Lyme
• Boxwood Condominium Association, Old Lyme
• Westview Terrace Mobile Home Park, Plainfield
• Jumbo Apartments, Plainfield
• Moosup Manor, Plainfield
• Arnio Lake Realty LLC, Plainfield
• Rural Wat Co-Ridgefield Lakes-Main Sys, Ridgefield
• Rural Wat Co-Ridgefield Lakes-Well #4, Ridgefield
• Rural Wat Co-Ridgefield Lakes-Well #11, Ridgefield
• Salem Manor Condominiums, System #1, Salem
• Crystal Lake Condominiums, Salem
• Salem Manor Condominiums, System #2, Salem
• Eastview Kozley Water Association, Tolland
• Norwegian Woods Apartments, Tolland
• Stone Pond Condominiums, Tolland
• Ivy Woods, Tolland
• CTWC – SDC Water, Voluntown
• Clinton Nurseries – Primary System, Westbrook
• Clinton Nurseries – Secondary System, Westbrook
• Willington Ridge Condos – System #1, Willington
• Willington Ridge Condos – System #2, Willington
• Wyndham Park Apartments, Windham
• Wolcott High School, Wolcott
• Woodbury Place Condominium Assn, Woodbury
• Brookwood Apartments – System #2, Woodstock
• Woodstock Meadows Condominium Ass, Woodstock
• Brookwood Apartments – System #1, Woodstock
• Fawn Ridge Association Inc., Woodstock
This list will be updated daily on the DPH Hurricane Irene website: www.ct.gov/dph.

The list is also available at www.ct.gov/dph/ (click on “Hurricane Irene: Important Health Information.”)

While some large public water supply systems in the state lost their normal power source, their water
supply was not interrupted due to emergency power capabilities. DPH continues to monitor and provide
assistance to these systems to ensure drinking water safety.

Residential customers served by water systems under a boil water advisory should:

• Safely boil their water by bringing it to a rolling boil for one minute. A rolling boil means that
there are very large bubbles in the water, making the water move very quickly. Make sure the
water does not have any floating pieces in it before you boil it. To make the boiled water taste
better, pour the water back and forth between two clean containers a few times. Boiled water
should be allowed to cool to a safe temperature before drinking or handling.

• Use boiled or bottled water when cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, or
making baby formula. Boiled water should be allowed to cool to a safe temperature before
drinking and handling.

• Use water that has previously boiled and cooled to a safe temperature or bottled water to wash
hands when cooking.

• Adults and older children do not need to use boiled water to shower or bathe, but should try not
to swallow any water or get any water into their mouths. Infants, toddlers, the elderly, and people
with severely compromised immune systems should be bathed using water that has been
previously boiled and cooled to a safe temperature or bottled water.

State health officials said that large systems serve a population of 2.6 million people. There are
approximately 500 smaller community public water systems that each serve less than 1,000 people.
Private Wells

Homeowners with private wells in flooded areas should consider their wells contaminated and disinfect
their wells before resuming their use. Drilled wells located in well pits where groundwater tables have
risen in the pit above the top of the well head and shallow wells are most at risk of contamination. Other
indicators of contamination may include water discoloration or unusual taste or odor to your private
water supply.

If you feel that your water supply may be contaminated, disinfection of the source followed by water
sampling (both bacteriological and certain chemical parameters) is encouraged. If you notice any unusual
changes to the water (color, taste or odor), precautionary measures should be taken such as using bottled
water for drinking and cooking until water testing is done to find if contamination is present in the water
supply.

You should also contact your local health department or the DPH Private Well Program at (860) 509-
7296 for additional advice if necessary. Testing at the DPH laboratory is available through your local
health department. To contact your local health department, go to www.ct.gov/dph/localhealth.

For more information on how to boil water or disinfect your private well, go to www.ct.gov/dph and
click on “Hurricane Irene: Important Health Information.”

The Department of Public Health Drinking Water Section is responsible for the administration of state
and federal drinking water regulations and is dedicated to assuring the quality and adequacy of the
state’s public drinking water sources. DPH provides technical assistance, education and regulatory
enforcement to over 2,600 public drinking water systems, which provide drinking water to
approximately 2.9 million persons on a daily basis.

Hospital employee offers quirky but sound hurricane advice

Thursday, August 25, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

While others in the region offered a wealth of hurricane preparedness advice in anticipation that Hurricane Irene will hit the region this weekend, Bridgeport Hospital Director of Facilities Management Christopher Burney had some wise advice on dealing with some of the more overlooked aspects of such an event.

While others urged folks to stock up on batteries and form an evacuation plan, Burney issued the following note to Bridgeport Hospital employees Thursday morning advising them to … do laundry?

See below:

Good morning, with the latest National Weather Service Hurricane forecast showing the Bridgeport area in the path of Irene, I thought that I would share some items that are not normally mentioned by the media when they talk of preparing for the storm.

So, if there is an extended power outage, most commercial establishments do not have emergency generators so assume the following.

Gas stations will be closed.

Coffee Shops will be closed.

Restaurants will be closed.

Any stores that are open will not be able process credit cards, so you will need cash.

Banks will be closed and ATMs will not work. Also, when you get cash, try to get small bills. It is easier to pay for emergency purchases with singles and fives than it is to try to change a $50 or a $100 bill.

Dry cleaners and laundromats will be closed. Get your cleaning out on Saturday and do your laundry then too.

Make sure that you can open your garage door manually.

When the power goes out, your cordless phones in the house will not work. If you have one of the old phones that has a cord between the hand set and phone, then it will still work.

If you have a car charger for your cell phone, it’s probably a good time to find it. Either that or bring your charger to work. Cell phones should continue to work unless a specific cell tower gets damaged.

A 75 mph wind (Category 1) will move a lot of things, including sheets of plywood and 2 X 4 lumber. If you have any in your yard, secure it.

Bring in the dog.

If you have anything expensive in your freezer, it would be a good idea to cook it for dinner on Saturday.

And above all, keep smiling.

How pregnant women and new parents can prepare for an emergency

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

As residents of Connecticut keep watch for Hurricane Irene — slated to affect the state this weekend — the March of Dimes urges pregnant women and parents of new babies to be prepared for future emergencies or the need to evacuate from their homes.

The March of Dimes chapters and its web site (www.marchofdimes.com) are good sources of information for pregnant women. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) also offers important information about preparing for a hurricane.

While pregnant women should follow the general hurricane preparedness recommendations, they and new mothers also should take special precautions for themselves and their children.

March of Dimes Emergency Preparedness Tips for Pregnant Women and New Parents

1) Pregnant women should know the signs labor and if they experience any of these symptoms should NOT wait for them to just go away. They should seek immediate medical care. Preterm labor is any labor before 37 weeks gestation. The signs of labor are:

Contractions (the abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina)
Pelvic pressure—the feeling that the baby is pushing down
Low, dull backache
Cramps that feel like a period
Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

2) Pregnant women should pack prenatal vitamins, or perhaps an extra supply of over-the-counter vitamins, along with extra maternity clothes.

3) Fill prescription medications in advance.

4) Have bottled water and non-perishable food supplies on hand. Try to stock food that is high in protein and low in fat.

5) New parents who may need to stay in a shelter should consider bringing a safe place for their baby to sleep, such as a portable crib, as well as extra diapers and other basic medical supplies.

6) New parents also should take special steps to ensure they have food for their infants. The stress of a hurricane may affect lactating women’s milk supply, although breastfeeding can be calming for both mother and baby.

7) In the rare instance it becomes impossible to continue to breastfeed, mothers may consider weaning their baby. If they choose to switch to formula, parents should use pre-prepared formula because there may be concerns about the quality of the water supply. Do not use water treated with iodine or chlorine tablets to prepare powdered formula.

8 ) Pregnant women should do their best to eat regularly and nutritiously and remain hydrated. They also should do their best to get enough rest.

Watch your child’s back this fall!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

With fall, and the new school year, approaching, parents are likely picking up a new batch of supplies for the young students in their lives — including backpacks. Yes, picking out the perfect stylish backpack is an essential part of scholarly preparation, but, if not used properly, these devices can injure young backs. Below are a few tips from Michael R Marks, vice president of business development and president, Norwalk Hospital Physicians and Surgeons on how your child can safely tote his or her belongings like a human pack mule.

1) Most backpack related injuries are due to improper wearing and packing of the pack. Shoulder soreness comes from wearing the pack only on one shoulder, or using a pack whose straps are too thin. Shoulder joint problems come from similar problems with the straps going across the joint with direct force. Wearing the pack too low or wearing a pack that is too large (sits too low on the body) can cause bruising to the lower buttocks and upper thighs.

2) Most injuries that occur are muscular in nature — mostly in the upper back but to some extent the lower back. It is rare for a child or adolescent to injure a disk carrying a backpack.

3) Make sure your child’s backpack is the right size for him or her. An elementary school child should not be wearing a pack that was designed for a high school student.

4) Backpacks should be just that; a method to transport books. They shouldn’t be survival kits. There is no reason a child should be carrying around their books all day long through school. They should be left in their locker.

5) Backpacks have no correlation with creating scoliosis. Many companies create backpacks on wheels, but these seem to have created even more problems than traditional backpacks. In crowded hallways, there is no room for a backpack on wheels and children have tripped over them while running through the hallways. Additionally, it puts more stress on the low back to have your body slightly turned and dragging something behind you.

6) The best way to prevent injuries is to pack it right and wear it right. Put the heaviest and largest books closest to your back. Have well-padded straps pulled tightly so the packs sit between your shoulder blades and use the belt strap to prevent the pack from bouncing back and forth.

7) If your child is having back pain that you think is related to his/her backpack, make an appointment to see your pediatrician or an orthopaedist who understands back injuries. Bring the backpack with you and let the physician show the proper method of wearing the backpack.

Please keep cool this week!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

So, in case you haven’t noticed, it’s still hot out. And it’s apparently going to stay that way for the rest of the week, with temps expected to be well into the sweltering 90s. The Connecticut Department of Public Health has, once again, sent out a list of tips to keep from melting into a simpering pile of goo as the mercury rises. I’ve already run it a few times, but, if you haven’t seen it, it can be glimpsed by clicking here.

One thing DPH suggests is that those without air conditioning find a local cooling center. Connecticut’s 2-1-1 line, run through the United Way, is compiling a list of centers throughout the state. A partial list is below, but call 2-1-1 for updates. And, if there isn’t a center in your area, head to a local library, mall, senior center or another appropriately chilly place to keep yourself cool.

BRIDGEPORT:
Greater Bridgeport Bus Terminal, Water Street, open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.

BROOKFIELD:
Brookfield Senior Center, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

FAIRFIELD:

Fairfield Public Library, Old Post Road, open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fairfield Branch Library, Fairfield Woods Road, open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GREENWICH:

Greenwich Senior Center, 299 Greenwich Ave.
Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave.
Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Road (behind the Cos Cob Firehouse)
Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Ave.
Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave.
Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road

In addition, the lobby of the Greenwich Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place, will be open 24/7 and the facility’s community room will be available 24/7 for overflow and emergency use should the need arise, the town has announced. All hours of normal operations are posted on each department or agency’s website.

HARTFORD: (All Hartford sites will be open Monday through Friday of this week)

Parker Memorial Community Center, 2621 No. Main St., open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pope Park Recreation Center, 30 Pope Drive, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Metzner Center, 680 Franklin Ave., open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

North End Senior Center, 80 Coventry St., Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South End Senior Wellness Center, 830 Maple Ave., Open 10:00am to 5:00pm

Parkville Senior Center, 11 New Park Ave., open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hispanic Senior Center, 45 Wadsworth St., Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hispanic Health Council, 175 Main St.will open its doors to residents for relief from the heat from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NAUGATUCK:
Naugatuck Senior Center, 300 Meadow St., open 7:30 a.m.to 4 p.m.

NEW HAVEN:
The following cooling center locations are for senior use only:

Atwater Senior Center at 26 Atwater St., open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dixwell/Newhallville Senior Center, 255 Goffe St., open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

East Shore Senior Center, 411 Townsend Ave., open Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4 p.m.

The following cooling center locations are for the general public:

New Haven Free Public Library, Main Building, 133 Elm St., open Monday, noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m.to 8 p.m., Friday, 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fair Haven Branch Library 182 Grand Ave., (call 203-946-8115 for hours)

Mitchell Branch Library 37 Harrison St., open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Stetson Branch Library, 200 Dixwell Ave. in the Dixwell Plaza, open, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Courtland Seymour Wilson Branch Library at 303 Washington Ave. This cooling center will be closed on Tuesday, but will be open on Wednesday, from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m.

NORWALK:

Norwalk Main Public Library, 1 Belden Ave., open Wednesday, noon to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

South Norwalk Public Library, 10 Washington St., open Wednesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

RIDGEFIELD:
Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Department, 195 Danbury Road Ridgefield, open Monday through
Friday, 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

STAMFORD:
The Stamford Government Center, Main Lobby, 888 Washington Blvd., open through Wednesday.

All the Stamford Fire and Rescue Stations (see below) are open 24 hours a day as cooling centers:

Central Fire Headquarters, Station 1 629 Main St.

South End Fire Station 2 215 Washington Blvd.

West Side Fire Station 3 80 Fairfield Ave.

East Side/Shippan Fire Station 4 364 Shippan Ave.

Woodside Fire Station 5 1600 Washington Blvd.

STRATFORD:
Baldwin Center is Stratford’s Senior Center, 1000 West Broad St., open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TRUMBULL:
Westfield Mall, 5065 Main Str., Daily – regular mall hours

WATERBURY:
Waterbury Department of Public Health, One Jefferson Square, will open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals will need to check in at the security desk.

WEST HAVEN:
Basement of West Haven City Hall, 355 Main Street, Room A., open Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.

WOODBRIDGE:

Woodbridge Senior Center, 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge open,.Monday to Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If residents need to go to the Cooling Center after hours, or on the
weekend, they can call the Police Department at 203-387-2511.

Do you know the ‘hot’ issues? Take this quiz

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

So it was hot today. Really hot — in the low 90s, in fact. Temps are expected to dip to the mid-80s throughout the rest of the week, but Connecticut residents are still advised to be careful and stay cool.
However, instead of just listing some tips for beating the heat, I thought I’d test your knowledge of summer-savvy habits. After all, we’ve already had quite a few hot days this summer. You guys should know all this stuff by now.
But do you? Let’s see.

1. Should you eat a hot or heavy meal during hot weather?
a) Yes — these foods make you sweat, which cools you off.
b) No — these foods add unnecessary heat to your body

2. Which of the following groups of people AREN’T at increased risk of heat-related illness?
a) Infants and young children
b) People age 65 or older
c) Those who are physically ill
d) Those who are overweight
e) None of the above

3. True or False: It’s OK to leave children or pets in a parked car, as long as the windows are open.

4. How long before going out should you apply sunscreen?
a) 15 minutes
b) 30 minutes
c) 45 minutes
d) One hour

5. True or false: If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, a fan should keep you cool enough — even in high temperatures.

6. True or false: Though hydration is important in the heat, you don’t need to drink until you’re thirsty.

7. If someone has heat stroke, which of the following measures SHOULDN’T you take?
a) Getting the victim to a shady area.
b) Monitoring body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
c) Giving the victim fluids to drink
d) None of the above

8. What is the hottest time of the day?
a) Morning
b) Afternoon
c) Evening

9. True or False: Drinking a sugary soda hydrates you as well as drinking water.

10. True or False: You can exercise just as hard on a hot day as you can on a cool day.

Answers:
1. B
2. E
3. False
4. B
5. False – If you don’t have air conditioning, head to a library or shopping mall, or call your local health department to find a nearby cooling center.
6. False – Hydrate regularly
7. C
8. B
9. False – Sugary drinks cause you to lose more body fluid, as does alcohol
10. False – Especially if you aren’t a regular exerciser. Please pace yourself

Watch the water this summer

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

I strongly urge all readers of Hearst Connecticut Newspapers (that would be Connecticut Post, Stamford Advocate, Danbury News-Times and Greenwich Time) to check out Christina Hennessy’s story in tomorrow’s Health section about water safety. It provides some sage guidelines for keeping kids safe as you luxuriate near the water this season.
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, 365 people of all ages drown each year in the United States. Drowning is more common during warm weather months, when people typically enjoy
water-related activities.
In addition to the very good advice offered in this week’s story, here are a few more tips — for both children and adults — from the health department.

Supervise children with vigilance near water. Remember that children can drown in just a few

inches of water in sources such as wading pools or buckets.

Never swim alone.

 Swim only in designated swimming areas.

Choose swimming sites that employ trained and certified lifeguards whenever possible.

Avoid alcohol use before and during aquatic activities, or when supervising children in or near

water.

If you have a swimming pool, these additional precautions are recommended:

Install a fence or wall completely around the pool. Barriers should be at least four feet high and

have no hand or footholds that could help a child climb over.

Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch out of a child’s reach.

Pool alarms may provide additional layers of protection.

For above ground pools, steps and ladders should be secured and locked or removed when not in

use.

Keep a phone and rescue equipment poolside.

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

For more information, check out tomorrow’s health section.

Radon: How bad is it really?

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by:Amanda Cuda

Just like no one ever thinks about their appendix until it bursts and they need surgery, so, too, do most people go through the majority of their lives blissfully ignorant of radon. I sure was. I mean, I knew vaguely what radon was — that it was some sort of gas and that it was dangerous in some sort of way — but my knowledge was fairly limited.
However, as my husband and are in the process of buying a house — our first — radon has become a more tangible factor in our life. Radon tests are part of most real estate transactions, and we had our around the same time as our home inspection. It wasn’t something we gave a lot of thought to, being absorbed as we were in the much larger matters of mortgages and the fact that our new home has no appliances, save an ancient dishwasher.
When we got our test results back, they revealed that our radon level was about 5 picocuries per liter. Apparently, you’re supposed to fix your radon problem if the level is at 4 picocuries per liter or higher. Fixing it, we’re told, costs about $1,000. So here’s my question — how important is it that this be fixed right away? I decided to call some experts and find out.
First, let me back up and explain a little bit about our friend radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that’s fairly common in Connecticut. According to the state Department of Public Health, about one in four homes in Fairfield and New Haven counties have elevated radon levels. Nationwide, about one in 15 homes have elevated radon levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium that that is found in nearly all soils. The gas typically moves up through the ground and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Any home can have a radon problem, no matter the age or whether it has a basement.
Radon, as mentioned before, is measure in picocuries per liter. Until roughly a week ago, my knowledge of picocuries was about as limited as my knowledge of radon, but I’ve done a little homework. A picocurie, as it turns out, is one trillionth of a curie, which is a standard measure for the intensity of radioactivity contained in a sample of radioactive material. It was named after French scientists Marie and Pierre Curie. The basis for the curie is the radioactivity of one gram of radium.
OK, so this all brings us to the thousand dollar question — do we need to do something about our radon? The answer, from local health authorities, is a resounding “probably.” Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 30 percent of lung cancer in non-smokers was caused by radon exposure (of course, about 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men are due to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The EPA estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year are due to radon. So it is something to be taken seriously. But experts told me that your risk from radon exposure can vary depending on a number of factors.
“It depends how much time you’re going to spend in the basement,” said Dr. Nicholas Dainiak, chairman of medicine at Bridgeport Hospital. “If you’re going to put a family room in your basement, then I say, yeah (get rid of the radon).”
He also said that, if you’re a smoker, radon exposure will increase your lung cancer risks (neither myself nor my husband smoke, so that isn’t a factor).
It also matters how much time you spend in the house overall, said Francesca Provenzano, program coordinator for the state DPH’s lead, radon and healthy homes program. Radon risk increases with long-term exposure, Provenzano said. So if you spend a lot of time at home, plan to live in your house for a long time, or have children, this should all be considered. Provenzano’s theory on radon seems to be this: when in doubt, get rid of it. “We can do a lot of things, but holding our breath isn’t one of them,” she said.
Dainiak is a little more pragmatic. If you’re planning on staying in a place say, five years or so, you might have some wiggle room on remediation. “Your risk is going to be very very small, compared to what it would be if you stayed there the rest of your life.”
Right now, my husband and I are planning to wait before we do anything. But this whole situation has gotten me thinking. Have you had problems with elevated radon in your home? How did you handle it?

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