Montrose, COLO.— Montrose County is offering free radon test kits during the month of January in an effort to protect county residents from a leading cause of lung cancer. Winter is the perfect time to test your home for radon, according to Chrystine Kelley, radon program manager for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“Testing your home for radon is simple and works best when all your doors and windows are closed,” Kelley said. “That’s why January is a great time to test, during National Radon Action Month.”
“Montrose County is glad to offer free radon test kits to community members,” said Environmental and Public Health Manager Jim Austin. “The kits are an easy way to protect your family and know your risk. There are also resources available to aid with mitigation assistance.”
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas responsible for hundreds of Colorado lung cancer deaths each year. The colorless, odorless, tasteless gas can enter homes through minuscule cracks in the floor or small spaces around utility pipes. It can accumulate unless properly mitigated. Long-term radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in smokers. More Americans die from lung cancer than any other cancer.
The State Board of Health has declared January as Radon Action Month, and state environmental officials hope residents will take the time to test their homes. Kelley encouraged all Colorado citizens to protect their families from the serious health risks associated with radon by testing and reducing any elevated radon levels found in their homes.
Testing is easy and affordable. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website also lists contractors certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program who install systems to mitigate radon. Colorado residents also can call the state’s Radon Hotline at 1-800-846-3986. Free test kits are available at Montrose County Health and Human Services offices at 1845 South Townsend Avenue.