Test Your Home for Radon: High Levels of Cancer-Causing Gas Found in 46% of Colorado Homes

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. According to the Lung Association’s recently released “State of Lung Cancer” report, more than 46% of homes tested for radon in Colorado had results that were at or above the action level recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During January’s National Radon Action Month, the Lung Association in Colorado strongly urges all residents to test their home for radon and take immediate steps to mitigate the threat if elevated levels are found.

“Radon is an invisible danger, appearing at high levels in far too many homes across Colorado. Unfortunately, too few people are aware of the potentially devastating effects of radon exposure. We’re committed to educating and empowering residents to protect their homes and families,” said Rafik Brooks, Manager of Health Promotions for the Lung Association in Colorado. “Any home can have a radon problem, and testing is the only way to know if your home is safe. Thankfully, testing is easy, affordable and readily available at local hardware stores and through trusted online retailers.”

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the soil that can accumulate indoors. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon can enter a home through cracks and openings in walls, basements, floors and foundations. High amounts of radon have been found in every state with an estimated one in 15 homes nationwide reporting radon levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. High radon levels have been found in all parts of Colorado. Elevated radon levels can be found in single and multi-family homes, apartments, schools and other buildings.

Once indoors, radon can build up to dangerous levels and release radioactive particles that attack your lungs with dangerous, cancer-causing radiation. Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S. There is no known safe exposure level. Radon exposure has no immediate symptoms, irritating effects or warning signs.

The only way to detect radon in your home is to test for it. Do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use, inexpensive and can save lives. Free test kits are available for the public, and radon mitigation assistance is available for low-income homeowners (while supplies and funds last) through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website. Radon testing is recommended every five years and every two years if you have a mitigation system.

EPA recommends installing a mitigation system if radon levels are above 4 pCi/L and considering similar actions if radon levels are above 2 pCi/L. In Colorado, radon mitigation should always be completed by a licensed radon mitigation professional. A typical radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe and properly sealing cracks and other openings. This system collects radon gas from underneath the home’s foundation and vents it to the outside. Contact the Colorado radon program for a list of licensed professionals.

If you smoke, reduce your risk of lung cancer by quitting. Smoking and radon are the number one and number two leading causes of lung cancer in the U.S. If you smoke and are exposed to high radon levels in your home or workplace, your risk of developing lung cancer is especially high. If you are ready to start your journey to quit for good, the Lung Association offers resources at Lung.org/quit-smoking.

To learn more about the potential health risks of radon, testing and mitigation, visit at Lung.org/radon and take the Lung Association’s free Radon Basics course at Lung.org/radon-basics. More information on radon mitigation from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment is available here.