Take action this January, and get your home tested for Radon. That’s the message the El Paso County Department of Public Health is putting out.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and El Paso County has been designated as an area with high radon potential, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium found in soils, rock, and water. Radon in Colorado is generated by the radioactive decay of radium, which is present in uranium bearing soils found throughout the Rocky Mountains and the eastern plains. All homes regardless of construction type or style can have elevated radon levels.
Testing for radon is simple and it’s the only way to know if your family is at risk. Coupons for free test kits can be requested through the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) at www.coloradoradon.info. Test kits are also available at home improvement stores for as little as $10.
“It is important to get your home tested to know if there are elevated levels. We want to educate people about how easy it is to mitigate elevated radon levels,” said Tom Gonzales, M.P.H., El Paso County Public Health Deputy Director.
There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home. For more information, the EPA recommends the following resources: National Radon Proficiency Program at www.nrpp.info and National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) at www.nrsb.org.
For more information about radon testing, call (719) 578-3199 (and select option 3), or visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org.