Radon gas exposure is a serious health concern in Colorado, with about 500 people dying annually from lung cancer as a result of this invisible threat. Nationally, the number of lung cancer deaths attributed to radon is even higher, at around 21,000 per year. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in the soil. While it is present nearly everywhere outdoors at harmless levels, it becomes dangerous when it accumulates inside homes, schools, and other buildings.
Many people are unaware of the radon levels in their homes, with only 50% of homes in Colorado estimated to have been tested. This means that many Coloradans may be exposed to elevated radon levels without even knowing it. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never used tobacco, and it also increases the risk of lung cancer for tobacco users.
Colorado’s unique geology, including mountainous regions with granite rock containing uranium, contributes to higher radon levels in the state compared to others. About 50% of homes tested for radon in Colorado have levels higher than the recommended threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Radon mitigation systems can help reduce radon levels inside homes by up to 99%. These systems use fans and pipes to pull radon gas from below the foundation of the home and vent it outside. Testing your home for radon is simple and relatively inexpensive, with test kits available for less than $50 or even for free from various sources.
If radon levels in your home are at or above 4 pCi/L, mitigation measures should be taken, which may involve sealing cracks in basement walls and foundations and installing a fan and vent pipe. Mitigation costs can range from $1,000 to $3,000, but there are resources available for those who need assistance.
By taking action to test for radon, mitigate exposure, and share knowledge about this invisible threat, individuals can invest in a healthier future for themselves and their community. Radon may be invisible, but its impact on human health is real and preventable. Radon is a radioactive gas that is found in high levels in Colorado, posing a significant risk for lung cancer. As a Professor of Epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health, I am deeply concerned about the impact of radon on public health in our state.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specialized equipment. When radon is released from the ground into the air, it can easily seep into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors.
Exposure to high levels of radon over time can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. In Colorado, where levels of radon are particularly high due to the state’s geology, the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is even greater.
Fortunately, there are steps that individuals can take to lower their risk of radon exposure and reduce the levels of radon in their homes. The first step is to test your home for radon using a simple and inexpensive radon test kit. These kits can be purchased online or at hardware stores and provide accurate measurements of radon levels in your home.
If high levels of radon are detected, mitigation measures can be taken to reduce radon levels and protect your health. Radon mitigation systems typically involve installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon gas out from beneath the foundation of your home and vent it outside. These systems are effective at reducing radon levels by up to 99% and are relatively affordable compared to the potential cost of treating lung cancer.
In addition to testing and mitigation, it is important for individuals to be aware of the risks of radon exposure and to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. This includes educating yourself about radon, ensuring proper ventilation in your home, and encouraging your neighbors and community members to test their homes for radon as well.
By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure and create healthier environments for ourselves and future generations. As a community, we have the power to make a difference and protect our loved ones from the dangers of radon. Let’s work together to lower our risk and raise awareness about this silent but deadly threat.
