Date Published: 01/01/2020 [Source]
January is National Radon Action Month, and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is encouraging residents to protect themselves and loved ones from dangerous radon gas by testing their homes. To help, JCPH is offering free radon test kits all month long, while supplies last, one per address and on a first come-first served basis, at the JCPH location in Lakewood at 645 Parfet Street. Other agencies offering free Radon test kits are Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Tri-County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
According to Jefferson County Health Officials, Radon is a dangerous and naturally-occurring radioactive gas that you cannot smell, taste or see. People are exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that enters homes and other buildings through cracks and gaps in foundations.
Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and a top environmental cause of cancer nationwide. In Jefferson County, more than half of homes tested have high levels of radon. While there is always some radon in the air, high levels of exposure to radon over time can lead to a significant risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer is even greater for smokers who are exposed to radon.
4 picocuries per liter is the maximum threshold for radon testing. If your home has recently tested below this, plan on testing every 2-3 years. If your home has tested above this threshold, more comprehensive testing may be needed to gauge the severity of the problem. There is no safe level of radon, so even if your home tests below 4 picocuries per liter, you may still want to consider mitigation.