The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment increased the risk level of 12 counties. All 64 counties are now considered high risk.
PRLog - Apr. 10, 2014 - Radon in Colorado: An Escalating Health Risk
Exposure to radon in Colorado is a critical public health concern. Recently the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment added 12 counties to the high-risk listing, which means people in all 64 counties, experience an increased likelihood for developing lung cancer from radon in Colorado. Residents must be educated and proactive about radon in Colorado, ensuring that exposure is limited and testing and mitigation is undertaken with all due speed.
Radon in Colorado: Health Risks
Both the gas and the easily inhaled decay products of radon are health hazards that increase the risk of lung cancer. With the recognition of an increased risk of exposure to radon in Colorado, testing and mitigation services have become a well-established industry. Radon in Colorado can be mitigated by a licensed contractor, but not until the homeowner is aware of the danger. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, only surpassed by tobacco smoking. It is estimated that radon produced lung cancer kills approximately 21,000 people per year. For a little perspective, consider this: at 4 pCi/L, the level at which the EPA recommends radiation mitigation, the chance of developing lung cancer is 5 times the chance of dying in an automobile accident; at 10 pCi/L the chance of developing lung cancer from radon exposure is 200 times the chance of dying in a house fire.* The only way that this exposure is limited is by first testing for and then mitigating the presence of radon.
Radon in Colorado: Increased Public Health Concern
The Public Health and Environment Department re-categorization underscores the critical risks that radon in Colorado presents. Authorities recommend testing for radon in homes, businesses and other public buildings and that mitigation can be carried out. There are kits available in home improvement and DIY outlets for home testing for radon in Colorado and the Public Health Department offers coupons that can allay some of the $30-$40 cost. Once a test confirms the presence of radon, a licensed contractor certified to mitigate and remediate radon in Colorado should be contacted.
Mitigation of Radon in Colorado
A number of reliable contractors are qualified to conduct remediation and install mitigation equipment for radon in Colorado. Information about contractors who work with radon in Colorado is readily accessible on the web or through the county public health office. Mitigation equipment for radon in Colorado can range from the less expensive and modest electronic monitoring system to the more elaborate fan and piping system that pulls the gas from the soil beneath the building and releases it to the outdoors. Another technique that will mitigate radon in Colorado homes and buildings is sealing cracks in the foundation. Mitigation for radon in Colorado can also be conducted on sites before building. With a little time and investment, homeowners, business people and public health officials have the tools to detect and mitigate the serious public health threat that radon poses.
Check out the video regarding this issue at http://youtu.be/0tlk22sMnvo
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Increased Risk Of Radon In 12 Colorado Counties
April 10, 2014 at 13:23 PM EDT
