Radon poses deadly lung cancer risk in Colorado homes

Aiko Browning, a medical oncologist at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in Thornton, addressed the city council regarding the public health risks associated with radon exposure during a recent meeting. Browning highlighted that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, less than half of Colorado homes have been tested for radon, with 47% of homes in Adams County found to have unsafe levels.

Browning provided a comparative analysis of radon exposure risks, noting that for never smokers, exposure to 4 picocuries per liter could lead to approximately 7 lung cancer cases per 1,000 people over a lifetime, a risk comparable to dying in a car crash. For smokers, the risk escalates significantly, with 62 out of 1,000 potentially developing lung cancer at the same exposure level, equating to a risk five times greater than dying in a car fire.

To combat this public health issue, Browning urged the city to partner with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to raise awareness about radon testing and mitigation. The CDPHE offers free or low-cost radon testing kits and financial assistance for mitigation, particularly for families earning less than $71,900 annually in Adams County.

Browning emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent lung cancer, advocating for increased community engagement during National Radon Action Month in January. She expressed a desire to collaborate with local health authorities to promote health and wellness initiatives aimed at reducing radon exposure in homes.