Date Published: 01/06/2020 [Source]
January is National Radon Action Month, and public health officials in Jefferson County are encouraging residents to pick up free radon test kits all month long, while supplies last. One free kit is offered per address on a first come, first-served basis, officials said.
Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It creeps through cracks of a home's foundation with potentially deadly results. Every year, about 500 Coloradans die from lung cancer after long-term exposure to radon. About 21,000 people die nationally.
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.
There is no safe level of radon, so even if your home tests below four picocuries per liter, you may still want to consider mitigation, Jeffco public health officials said.
Jefferson County Public Health staff will also be available to help homeowners understand how to use the test kits properly and what to do if the test results show high levels of radon in the air. If action is needed to reduce radon in a home, it's important to test homes for radon again to be sure the action worked and the air is safe, officials said. Resources may be available for those whose homes test positive for high levels of radon and who qualify through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.