Radon: Is it in your home?

The Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Office in El Paso County recommends that every home in El Paso County be tested for radon.  Each year in the U.S. randon causes 21, 000 deaths due to lung cancer.  This number can be reduced with testing and mitigation.  Testing is a simple procedure.  Short term test kits are available for $5.00 in the Extension Office.  305 South Union Blvd., Colorado Springs.  Call 636-8920 for more information.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas found in nature. It has no color, odor or taste and is chemically inert. It's source is uranium. As the uranium molecule decays to form stable lead, a process taking many, many years, it changes from one radioactive element to another in a sequence known as the Uranium Decay Cycle. Partway through this cycle, the element radium becomes radon which as a gas moves up through the soil to atmosphere. Uranium is found in most soils and in granite.

Excessive radon levels have been found in all of the 50 states. In Colorado between one-third and one -half of the homes have radon levels in excess of the EPA recommended action level of 4 picoCuries (pCi) of radon per liter of air.

How does it effect me or my family?

Thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths annually in the United States are attributable to indoor residential exposure to radon. Either smoking or radon exposure can independently increase the risk of lung cancer. However, exposure to both greatly enhances that risk. (At exposures to 4 pCi of radon per liter of air, the lifetime lung cancer risk attributable to radon rises from 2 cases per thousand in non-smokers to 29 cases per thousand in smokers).

How can I find out if my home is effected?

There are many kinds of low cost "do it yourself" radon test kits which may be ordered through the mail or purchased from hardware stores and other retail outlets. Be sure the kit packaging displays the phrase "Meets EPA requirements"

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