Radon: A Hidden Risk
Published on January 29, 2026
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the slow breakdown of uranium in rock and soil. As radon moves up through the ground, it can enter homes through small cracks and openings in foundations, sump pits, crawl spaces, and gaps around pipes. Because radon is colorless and odorless, it can build up indoors without you noticing — especially in lower levels of a home, like the basement. In Colorado, about half of all homes are estimated to have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 piC/L (picocuries per liter of air).
Why does radon matter for your health?
Long-term exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is linked to an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the EPA. The health risk from radon depends on several factors, including the level of radon in the home, how long someone is exposed, and whether they smoke.
How can you tell if radon is present in your home?
The only way to know how much radon is in a home is to test. Radon testing is inexpensive, simple to set up, and takes only a few minutes of time to set up. These short-term tests, which run for several days, can provide a quick snapshot of radon levels and help determine whether additional professional radon testing is needed. Professional radon testers may also use continuous monitoring devices that measure radon levels electronically.
For Weld County residents, free short-term radon test kits are available through the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, while supplies last. These kits are mailed to your home by Alpha Energy Laboratories, with clear and easy to follow instructions. Additional test kits, if needed, can be purchased at most hardware stores or online.
In Colorado, real estate agents and landlords are required to provide written disclosures about radon before contracts or leases are signed. Buyers and renters have a right to know whether a home has been tested and to receive testing results and information about mitigation, if applicable and tenants can test their own rental unit for radon.
If your radon is elevated, how can you fix it?
Radon mitigation systems are designed to vent radon safely away before it enters living spaces. Most systems cost about the same as other common home repairs, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200, although the specific approach depends on the home’s foundation type. For households that qualify, Colorado’s Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance (LIRMA) program may provide financial support to help cover mitigation costs.
Landlords must make reasonable efforts to mitigate radon levels for renters who find high radon levels after professional testing, otherwise tenants have the option to break their lease (only applies to leases longer than one year).
How can you get help in Weld County?
Radon may be invisible, but its health effects are well documented and preventable. Testing is the first step in understanding your risk and protecting your home. To request a free test kit, or find licensed radon professionals, visit www.weld.gov/go/radon.