Background Information
Radon, an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the nation. Colorado ranks seventh in the nation for highest potential radon risk; 50% of Colorado homes have radon levels that should be mitigated. Low-cost radon test kits are available online and in home-improvement stores. For low-income families, the cost of mitigation is a major barrier, creating a disproportionate risk for lung cancer. However, because of recent legislation in Colorado, there is now a program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to financially support testing and mitigation in low-income owner-occupied homes.
What was CO Tracking’s role?
Previously, Colorado Tracking data was used to write a legislative bill, HB 16-1141, for financial assistance to low-income families who need testing and, most importantly, a mitigation system installed in their homes. Tracking data indicated that 1 out of every 2 households in Colorado have radon levels above the EPA Action Level of 4 pCi/L.
What product or output came from CO Tracking’s role?
HB 16‐1141 was signed by Governor Hickenlooper in 2016. The bill, initiated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), provides state funding for a radon education and awareness program at CDPHE and provides $100,000 for the Department to assist low-income individuals with the installation of radon mitigation systems in their homes.
What action or decision was taken to resolve the problem?
The radon mitigation assistance program was established on January 1, 2017, as well as a radon education and awareness program to work collaboratively with radon contractors and citizens to help answer questions and concerns about radon mitigation.
What was the outcome of this action or decision?
To date, the program has received 1,083 applications for radon testing and mitigation. Of those, 375 homes have completed radon mitigation, 8 homes are currently under contract for mitigation, 498 either did not qualify or complete the application process, and 203 are on hold until state fiscal year 2023 funding is received (July 1, 2023). CDPHE received a significant increase in funding from the state legislature in 2023 to mitigate even more homes in years to come.