Take Steps Now to Eliminate Radon Gas from Your Home . . . January is National Radon Action Month

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. Visit the Lakewood office at 645 Parfet Street, Lakewood, CO  80215, to pick-up your testing kit. Long-term test kits are also available at local hardware stores, supermarkets and other retail outlets.

For more information on radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation call 1-800-846-3986 or JCPH Environmental Specialist John Moody at 303-271-5714.

Resources:

• Jefferson County Public Health website – jeffco.us/public-health
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Environmental Protection Agency website - www.epa.gov/radon/nram/

A Deadly Killer

January is National Action Radon Month.  You can’t see, smell or taste radon gas, but it can seep into your home.  Radon  is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, second only to smoking.  Jefferson CountyPublic Health urges everyone in the community to protect their families and have their homes tested for radon.    The Environmental Protection Agency and JCPH offer the following suggestions for taking action.

• Test your home - EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon.  Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about  testing your home with a kit from Jefferson County Public Health.  Call 303-271-5700.
  
• Spread the word - spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging others to learn about radon and test their homes.  Tell your family and friends about the  health risk of radon.  Encourage them to test their homes.
  
  
• Buy a radon-resistant home - If you are considering buying a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction. Read  more about radon-resistant new construction, "Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Radon-Resistant Homes".

For more information, call 303-271-5700 or email John Moody at jmoody@jeffco.us