Radon Awareness & Testing Project

What is radon, and why is being exposed to high levels of radon over time bad?

Radon is a hidden danger—you can’t see, taste, or smell it. It is a gas that can seep into homes and buildings from the ground. Long term exposure to high levels of radon can seriously harm your health.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. alone.

Testing for radon is crucial to protect the health and safety of residents in areas with high radon levels. In Colorado, about half the homes have radon levels higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). You can find more information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

What is the Radon Awareness & Testing Project?

The first step to reducing radon exposure is to test your home for radon levels. The Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is offering free radon test kits to Colorado residents (as supplies are available). We will be distributing kits through health fair events, educational seminars, and online request forms.

We will be conducting follow-up calls to individuals who received a kit to 1) answer questions about how to start the test and remind them to start the test, and 2) remind them to send in the test kit for processing after 90 days.

We will also follow up with individuals whose test results showed higher than recommended radon levels to offer help in finding mitigation resources.

Who can request a free radon test kit?

We are offering free radon kits to any Colorado residents who need financial assistance (as supplies are available). To receive a kit, you must live in a home, apartment, or condominium below the 3rd floor.

Additional radon kits are available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at: www.ColoradoRadon.info.

How can I receive a free radon test kit?

You can attend one of our health fair events or educational seminars to obtain a free radon kit. Or fill out our online request form. Tests are distributed per availability of supplies.

How does it work?

1. Start the radon kit at your home. (Make sure to follow the instructions included with the package and keep the box and instructions for return.)
2. Mail your kit to the lab after 90 days. (Postage is included in the box.)
3. Go over results with COE member. (You will be contacted within two weeks of returning the radon kit.)