CDPHE offers free test kits as well as low-income mitigation assistance
Denver, January 8, 2024 — Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed January 2024 National Radon Action Month and encourages Coloradans to reduce their risk of radon-induced lung cancer. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment strongly urges Colorado residents to test their homes for radon using a free radon test kit.
In Colorado, nearly half of homes have radon levels above the recommended limit, and more than 500 lung cancer deaths in the state each year are attributed to radon. Children can be especially susceptible to the harmful effects of radon due to their higher respiratory rate and relative proximity to the ground. Even pets can be susceptible to negative health effects from radon exposure.
The best way to protect against radon is to perform a simple test of your home. CDPHE encourages all Colorado homeowners to test regardless of neighbors’ radon levels because radon levels can vary from home to home.
If your home has high levels of radon, it’s important to take action to reduce your risk. Radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels in any home. For those who cannot afford a mitigation system, Colorado offers a Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance program to homeowners who qualify through a simple application process.
Homeowners who already have radon mitigation systems should retest their homes every two years to make sure the system is working properly. More information is available on the CDPHE website.
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas with no color, odor, or taste. Radon can easily enter homes and other buildings through small openings like cracks in foundations, openings around pumps and drains, and crawl spaces. Any home can be affected by elevated levels of radon.
“January is a great time to test, and it’s a very straightforward process. Be sure to keep doors and windows closed for the duration of the test.” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “Our free testing program helps Coloradans identify radon issues in their homes and the Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance program ensures that households that cannot afford mitigation services are taken care of. We want everyone to reduce their risk of radon exposure.”