PUEBLO — The Pueblo Department of Health and Environment will be giving free radon testing kits to residents.
According to Pueblo's Health Department, the radon levels in Colorado are higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is found in soil in Colorado. Residents are encouraged to test for radon due to the higher levels naturally found in Colorado and establish mitigation techniques if necessary.
According to the health department, long-term radon exposure can cause cancer.
"When a person is exposed to radon over many years the exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, only smoking causes more lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people without a history of smoking."
Residents can go to the Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment building at 101 West 9th Street.
The department received a grant that allowed the purchase of 400 radon test kits.
According to the department, a vent pipe system and fan, also known as a soil suction radon reduction system, will pull radon from the home and vent it outside. If one of these systems is needed, the department states it does not require major changes to the home.
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