January Designated as Radon Action Month: Time to Test Your Home
January marks Radon Action Month, a crucial reminder for Colorado residents to test their homes for radon, a colorless and odorless gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, as highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Maddison Pitts, supervisor of Environmental Health Services at Jefferson County Public Health, emphasized that over half of the homes tested in 2023 revealed radon levels exceeding the recommended safety threshold.
Testing during January is particularly vital; radon levels tend to spike as homes are sealed against the winter chill. Increased indoor air quality is compromised since doors and windows remain closed, trapping radon inside. Radon enters homes through cracks in foundations, soil exposure, construction materials, or through water supplies, especially in residences relying on well water. Its presence is most commonly identified in basements and crawl spaces.
Pitts advises homeowners with elevated radon levels to take action, including retesting, sealing cracks, improving ventilation, and potentially installing radon mitigation systems. To promote awareness and encourage testing, the Jefferson County Public Health Department is offering 100 free radon test kits throughout January. Residents can obtain these kits at no cost or purchase them for $10. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides one free test kit per household and offers discounted kits through their website. Hardware and home improvement stores also stock radon test kits.
This January, Coloradans are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available to ensure their homes are safe from radon exposure and protect their health against this silent threat.