Health officials in Jefferson County are pressing the importance of radon testing in Colorado homes, with a focus on combatting the harmful effects of this invisible and odorless gas linked to lung cancer. According to Jefferson County, radon is responsible for around 200 deaths every year in Colorado and is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Testing is particularly crucial in Colorado, where the data shows that 50% of the homes tested in 2023 had radon levels above the safe limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
With testing being the only way to effectively detect and thereafter manage radon levels, JCPH is now offering free radon test kits to residents until January 31, or while the supplies last. The kits can be picked up at the JCPH office or requested from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). JCPH's Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Tracy R. Volkman, emphasized the ease of managing radon "once you know it’s there, which can only be done by testing," as per Jefferson County. After the free supply is exhausted, residents can still purchase kits from JCPH for a nominal fee.
Radon enters homes through foundation crevices and can accumulate to dangerous levels if unchecked. To encourage more homeowner participation, the radon testing process has been made simple and requires only a few days, with results typically available shortly after the kit is mailed for analysis. For homes found to have high radon concentrations, there are intervention measures like cracks sealing and radon mitigation systems installation that can be taken to correct the issue.
Additionally, for those with financial constraints, Colorado extends a helping hand through the Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance (LIRMA) and other programs designed to assist in bearing the cost of mitigation. It's critical for homeowners, especially those in regions like Jefferson County, to take advantage of these resources to safeguard their residences and well-being from radon.
