In an effort to raise awareness and encourage families to test their homes for radon, El Paso County Public Health is offering vouchers for free radon test kits.All homes regardless of construction type, such as slab on grade, basement, crawl space; or style, such as colonial, raised ranch or condominium; can have elevated radon levels.Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium found in soils, rock and water. Radon in Colorado is generated by the radioactive decay of radium, which is present in uranium bearing soils found throughout the Rocky Mountains and the eastern plains. Exposure to high levels of radon is associated with increased risk of lung cancer.Radon gets into your home through
- cracks in solid floors
- construction joints
- cracks in walls
- gaps in suspended floors
- gaps around service pipes
- cavities inside walls
- the water supply
How to test your homeIt is important to get your home tested to know if there are elevated levels. You canít see radon, but itís not hard to find out if you have a radon problem in your home. Radon testing is easy and should only take a few minutes.During the years 2005-2010, more than 8,700 El Paso County home radon test results were submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Of those, 4,050 homes (46 percent) tested at four or more picocuries per liter (4pCi/L). Exposure to 4pCi/L or more of radon is associated with increased risks of lung cancer, according to the American Lung Association.
How to lower the radon levels in your homeThere are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. Radon mitigation contractors can use other simpler methods that may also work in your home. The right method depends on the design of your home and other factors.To receive a voucher, visit Public Health at the Citizens Service Center, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs. For more information about radon or to learn how to receive a free test kit, visit http://elpasocountyhealth.org or call 719-578-3199.
