January is Radon Action Month, an important reminder that one of the most serious indoor air pollutants is also one of the easiest to miss. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, which means it can build up inside homes without any obvious warning signs. In mountain communities, where uranium-rich soils and complex geology are common, radon exposure is a risk that should not be ignored.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year, which includes an estimated 500 deaths annually in Colorado. The danger comes from long-term exposure, making radon a silent threat for families who may live in the same home for years without ever testing.
January is an ideal time to test because homes are typically sealed against cold weather, which can allow radon levels to reach their highest concentrations. If you haven’t tested your home, building, or rental, Walking Mountains has partnered with Eagle County Public Health and Environment and Vail Health’s Shaw Cancer Center to raise awareness and offer free radon test kits that are easy to use! Free radon test kits are available at the following locations:
- Walking Mountains Science Center – 318 Walking Mountains Ln, Avon
- Eagle County Environmental Health Desk – 551 Broadway St, Eagle
- Eagle County Public Health. 100 W. Beaver Creek Blvd #107, Avon. Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
- El Jebel Community Center – 20 Eagle County Rd, El Jebel
If you are unable to pick up a test kit at any of these locations, please contact Courtney Bryan, our Energy Team’s Radon Specialist, at (970)827-9725 ext. 139 to talk about your options for receiving a kit.
Once results are available, homeowners can determine whether action is needed with guidance from Walking Mountains. The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels are 4.0 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, but there is no known safe level of radon exposure. The lower the level, the lower the risk. In Colorado, 46.9% of homes tested score above the acceptable radon action level.
For many residents, mitigation can feel daunting, but financial assistance and expert guidance are available. Colorado’s LIRMA (low-income radon mitigation assistance) program aims to offer free radon mitigation systems to 100 qualifying families each year. Walking Mountains also serves as a resource throughout the entire process, helping residents navigate free testing, connecting with licensed mitigation contractors, and access rebate opportunities. Keep in mind, a Home Energy Assessment through Walking Mountains is required to qualify for any rebates.
“I did not realize how much of a safety concern Radon was in our area or how common it was. Walking Mountains made it easier to learn about and ultimately address” said a Town of Eagle resident. “With their help, I received a free radon test, connected with a contractor and then received a rebate to help with the necessary mitigation system. It was all really easy and straightforward, resulting in a safer home for my family.”
When it comes to mitigation, there are a number of solutions available that have been proven to be effective. Not all solutions are equal, and the right solution depends on the building structure. For example, there are methods specifically for homes with crawl spaces as well as buildings with well water. Through proper testing, a state-licensed specialist can determine what type of mitigation would be most effective for your home or building. Professional mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99 percent, significantly improving indoor air quality.
One of the most common solutions is known as ASD (Active Soil Depressurization). For this method, a pipe is inserted into the soil beneath the house and a continuously running fan pulls the radon-laden air from below the building and vents it out safely above the roofline.
Other methods include house or room pressurization, which is most effective for tight buildings, as this method entails utilizing fans to introduce outside air to slightly pressurize the home, preventing radon entry. This method is similar to, but not the same as HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation), which entails venting in fresh air from outside and exhausting indoor air out, transferring heat.
Taking action now helps build a healthier community for the future. Radon testing supports prevention, informed decision making, and long term well being. Awareness leads to action, and action leads to safer homes. Protect your health today and every winter.
Chantel Recksiedler is the Climate Action Collaborative Coordinator. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
