Radon program
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that is believed to result in approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year; indeed, it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It results from the radioactive decay of uranium in the soil. Radon, when it enters the body, leaves behind daughter particles that can remain in your lungs and disrupt cell reproduction.

While this gas is naturally occurring and present all around us, it can become concentrated in homes and other buildings and be damaging to human health. Particularly in winter months when doors and windows are closed, pressure differences between buildings and the outdoor air can create a vacuum that actively pulls radon from the soil into a home. Even well-sealed homes can allow radon to enter (see diagram below).

Mountain states like Colorado typically have much higher concentrations of radon than other regions of the US. Cracks and fissures in the rock provide pathways for radon to move to the surface; also, the geologic formations in our area often have higher concentrations of uranium associated with them. Surprisingly, 52 of Colorado’s 64 counties are determined to be at high risk for radon! Garfield County’s 2010 -2011 radon program indicated that 44% of homes tested had radon values above the EPA’s “Action Limit” of 4 pCi/L (pico-curies/liter). Testing is easy, and public health is giving away free test kits to residents of Garfield County. To get a coupon for a test kit, stop by either the Glenwood or Rifle Public health offices or call (970) 665-6383.