For Immediate Release
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007

Contact: 
Marion M. Galant
 Community Involvement Specialist
 303-692-3304 - Office
 888-569-1831, Ext. 3004 - Toll Free

Free Radon Test Kits for Colorado Residents

DENVER-The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is
offering free radon test kits to Colorado residents in January -
national Radon Action Month. Radon - a colorless, odorless, tasteless
radioactive gas - is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the
primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon exposure causes
approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States,
according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates, and many of
these lung cancers can be prevented.

"Nationally, about 1 in 15 homes has high radon levels, and that number
is probably much higher in Colorado because 52 of the state's 64
counties are rated at high risk for radon," said Dennis E. Ellis,
executive director of the state health department.

Radon gas is produced as part of the natural decay process of uranium.
Highly mineralized areas, such as those in Colorado and its mountains,
have a bounty of metals, including uranium.  As a result, the risk to
Coloradans from exposure to radon gas indoors is higher than the
national average.

Radon risk comes from long-term exposure to radon in indoor air.
Fortunately, radon testing is easy and inexpensive-and this month, free.
 A coupon for a free test kit may be obtained from the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment Web site at
www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/rad/radon or by calling 303-692-3420 or toll
free at 888-569-1831, ext. 3420.

If necessary, elevated radon levels can be effectively reduced for
between $800 and $1,500-the cost of many average home repairs.  The test
kits are easy to use and remain in the home for approximately 48 hours.
Homeowners mail the kit to a laboratory in a prepaid-postage envelope
provided with the kit, and the results are returned to them in about two
weeks.

• For more information on radon gas in Jefferson County, please call the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment’s Air Quality Specialist, John Moody at 303-271-5755.

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