Date Published: 07/03/2009 [Source]
Colorado State University Extension is offering three scholarships for the Center for Environmental Research and Technology Institute Mitigation Course which includes measurement and mitigation courses (each a $595 value). The scholarships also include three memberships to American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) (approximate value of $250). By providing scholarships for mitigation training and memberships to AARST, CSU Extension is providing an opportunity for people involved in construction, remodeling or handyman businesses to get the required training to meet this growing demand for mitigating homes in this region.
Most of Colorado contains high concentrations of radon, considered the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can enter the home. Surveys show that homes in most Colorado counties have the potential for radon levels above Environmental Protection Agency's recommended action level. In fact, recent testing in Northeast Colorado counties has confirmed that 38 percent or more of the homes tested within the last year are above the recommended safe levels of radon gas.
Radon mitigation is recommended for all homes with radon levels higher that 4 pCi/L--picocuries of radon per liter of air. Currently, the northeast region of Colorado does not have any trained and certified radon mitigators; and there are several home owners seeking trained people to mitigate their homes.
This scholarship program is part of a continuing radon education effort provided by CSU Extension in Northeast Colorado through a grant from the Colorado Department of Environment and Public Health.
To apply for the Radon Mitigation Course and AARST membership scholarships, interested persons need to contact the Colorado State University Extension offices in Morgan, Phillips, Washington or Yuma counties, or e-mail gisele.jefferson@colostate.edu for an application packet. The completed scholarship applications are due by June 30 to the Morgan County Extension Office.
For more information, contact Gisele Jefferson at 970-345-2287 or Luann Boyer at 970-542-3544.