Jefferson County Public Health encourages all residents to have their homes tested for radon gas, a naturally occurring gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 500 Coloradans each year.
Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes all across the country. In Colorado, 52 of its 64 counties are at high risk for radon. Due to the gas’s unpredictable nature, two houses right next to each other may have very different radon levels. Testing is the only way to know for certain if you and your loved ones are at risk.
January is an excellent time to test your home. Testing requires all windows and doors be closed, but is simple to do. Residents in Jefferson and Gilpin counties can purchase short-term test kits for $10.00 at Jefferson County Public Health Environmental Health Services. Visit the Golden office at 1801 19th Street to pick-up your testing kit. Long-term test kits are also available at local hardware stores, supermarkets and other retail outlets.
If high levels of radon are found in your home (above four picocuries per liter of air), installing a mitigation system is recommended. It takes more than just opening a window or turning on a fan to remove the gas built up in your home. Qualified contractors can seal up cracks and install ventilation systems to prevent the radon from collecting.
Resources:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides coupons for reduced-cost radon test kits at www.coloradoradon.info. The Web site also lists contractors certified by the National Environmental Health Association to install systems to remove, or mitigate, radon.
Jefferson County residents also can call the state’s Radon Hotline at 1-800-846-3986 or JCPH Environmental Specialist John Moody at 303-271-5714.
Jefferson County Public Health Web site
Environmental Protection Agency Web site
