In Colorado, by 2025, nearly 500 people will die from lung cancer annually. Result of exposure to radon gas. Nationally, the variety of lung cancer deaths is attributable to radon. is about 21,000. per yr
Radon is present almost in every single place outdoors, yet normally at levels that usually are not harmful. It becomes dangerous when it gets trapped and accumulates inside homes, schools and other buildings.
Radon is one. A naturally occurring radioactive gas which is produced by the breakdown of uranium, a heavy metal within the soil. People cannot smell or see it, which makes radon especially dangerous. When radon gas builds up within the soil, it rises and finds its way into old and latest homes through cracked foundations, gaps around sump pumps and drains, and crawl spaces.
Many persons are unaware of the radon levels of their home. In Colorado, it's estimated that Only 50% of homes have been tested.. Thus, many Coloradans could also be exposed to elevated radon levels and never realize it.
Although tobacco use is crucial risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for About 86 percent of all lung cancer cases, Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer. Among those that have never used tobacco. Radon also has a compounding effect with tobacco, further increasing the chance of lung cancer in tobacco users. About 7 in 1,000 non-tobacco users with long-term exposure to radon levels They may develop lung cancer in their lifetime..
Radon exposure is preventable. As A cancer epidemiologistmy goal is to assist all Colorado residents change into aware of their home's radon levels and take appropriate steps to scale back their and their family's risk of lung cancer.
Radon in your house
Because of Colorado's unique geology, including mountainous terrain composed of granite rock that comprises uranium, Colorado has higher radon levels than other states.
Colorado is in the top 10 states with the most radon. level across the country. About 50% of Colorado homes tested for radon had levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's advisable limits. which is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).. The average radon level in Colorado homes is 6.4 pCi/L, which is The equivalent of 200 chest x-rays per year. Radon levels in Colorado's 64 counties vary based on their geography and soil composition.
If the house will not be properly ventilated, radon can construct up indoors. When radon decays, it releases radioactive particles that, once inhaled, Can damage lung cells.. More specifically, these particles can break chemical bonds in a cell's DNA, which if not repaired can result in cancer. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon, over a few years, may cause lung cancer. Like tobacco use, it's Cumulative exposure to radon that increases the risk of cancer..
Fortunately, there are methods to stop radon from entering and accumulating inside our homes. Radon mitigation systems use fans and pipes to extract and vent radon gas from beneath the house's foundation. These systems can reduce radon. Indoor levels up to 99%.
Know Your Risk: Assessment and Mitigation
Testing your house for radon is simple and comparatively inexpensive. Test kits are placed in the bottom living area of your home, apartment, condominium or townhome and left for a time frame. EPA recommends testing for all residential units below the third floor.
There are short-term tests, which take two to 90 days, and long-term tests, which take 90 days or more. Long-term tests are more accurate for estimating annual average radon levels. Once accomplished, the tests might be sent on to the laboratory for processing.
Test kits normally cost US$50 or less. Can be obtained for free from many sources.including the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center. As of February 2026, the cancer center has distributed greater than 1,600 test kits to people in 55 Colorado counties. About 40% of the tests distributed thus far show radon levels above the EPA limit.
The EPA recommends testing over several months, including the colder months when exterior windows and doors are typically closed and radon might be trapped indoors. Testing over several months provides a greater understanding of the common annual radon level in a house.
Reduce Your Risk: Radon Mitigation
People who've radon levels of their home. at or above 4 pCi/L Finding mitigation measures is advisable. This may include sealing cracks in basement partitions and foundations and installing fans and vent pipes to attract radon gas from under the home and out. Abatement costs may apply. Between $1,000 and $3,000 Depends on the structure and site of the home.
There are resources available for individuals who need radon mitigation and can't afford it. Colorado State Department of Health. Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance Programs which can pay for radon mitigation for individuals who qualify based on income requirements.
Radon could also be invisible, but its impact on human health is undeniably real – and largely preventable. By taking motion today – checking your house, sharing that knowledge and getting help once you need it – you are investing in a healthier future for yourself and your community.