Protecting Your Health: The Importance of Radon Testing in Colorado Homes
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging residents to test their homes for radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in rock and soil, which is abundant in the Rocky Mountain West. The gas can seep into homes and accumulate to dangerous levels, posing a serious health risk.
According to Dr. Douglas Kemme, an oncologist with UCHealth, testing for radon is crucial as it is easy to test for and mitigate, and the consequences of lung cancer are devastating. Radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. Exposure to high levels of radon over time can lead to lung cancer, making it the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Most of Colorado is considered a high radon area, with indoor screening levels often exceeding 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends radon mitigation when levels exceed this threshold, and it is estimated that 50% of homes in Colorado have higher radon levels. Testing kits are readily available and cost between $10 to $50, making it an affordable and easy way to ensure the safety of your home.
If high levels of radon are detected, mitigation systems can be installed to redirect the gas from the home to the outside. It is recommended to consult with a state-certified radon mitigation system installer for proper installation. Additionally, if radon is found in well water, treatment options are available to reduce the risk of exposure.
With more than 500 lung cancer deaths attributed to radon each year in Colorado, testing for radon is a simple yet crucial step in protecting your health and the health of your loved ones. Don’t wait until it’s too late, test your home for radon today.
