Published on January 19, 2021
Weld County — Long-term radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer among smokers. Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas caused by the breakdown of uranium. Uranium is found mostly in rock formations but can also be found in soil and water. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through the miniscule cracks in your home’s foundation or smalls spaces around utility pipes.
Approximately 50% of Colorado homes have radon levels in excess of the EPA-recommended action level, and all 64 Colorado counties are rated at high risk for elevated radon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Because you can’t see or smell radon, people tend to downplay the health effects and ignore the possibility that there might be a silent killer in their homes.
The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment urges residents to take action by testing their homes for radon. Weld County residents can receive a free radon test kit (one per household, while supplies last). Request a free radon testing kit online.
Testing is easy, and it’s the only way to know if your health is at risk. For more information on radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation call the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment at (970) 400-2226 or go to the Radon webpage.