CDPHE offers free test kits, as well as low-income mitigation assistance
Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed January 2026 National Radon Action Month to encourage Coloradans to reduce their risk of radon-induced lung cancer. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urges Colorado residents to test their homes for radon using a free radon test kit while supplies last.
Facts and statistics:
- In Colorado, approximately half of homes have radon levels that exceed the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. That means half of Colorado’s homes should be mitigated to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
- Radon is responsible for about 21,000 deaths nationally each year.
- CDPHE distributed more than 12,500 free radon test kits to Colorado residents in early 2025.
- CDPHE mitigated over 200 homes through the Low-Income Radon Mitigation Program in 2025.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas with no color, odor, or taste. Radon easily enters homes and other buildings through small openings like cracks in foundations, openings around pumps and drains, and crawl spaces. Homeowners and renters who spend a significant amount of time in basement offices or gyms are more susceptible to negative health effects from radon exposure, as are children and pets due to their relative proximity to the ground.
The best way to protect against radon is to perform a simple test of your home. We encourage all Colorado homeowners to test regardless of their neighbors’ radon levels because radon levels vary from home to home. Homeowners who already have radon mitigation systems should retest their homes every two years to make sure the system is working properly. Be sure to keep exterior doors and windows closed throughout the home for the duration of the test.
“We want Coloradans to take steps to reduce their risk of radon exposure,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE. “Through our free testing program, we’re helping ensure every homeowner can identify potential radon issues. And with our Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance program, we’re removing financial barriers so families can take action to protect their health and well-being.”
If your home has high levels of radon, it’s important to take action to reduce your risk. Radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels in any home. For those who cannot afford a mitigation system, Colorado offers a Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance program to homeowners who qualify through a simple application process.
Gail, a Denver resident and a Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance recipient, shared her experience: “Radon is a serious home hazard. After a free test kit from CDPHE showed high levels, I was relieved to learn about the Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance Program. The generous income guidelines and simple application made the process easy. The contractor completed the mitigation in one day, and it didn’t cost me anything. Now my home is safe, and I’m truly grateful to the State of Colorado for this invaluable service.”
More information is available on the CDPHE website: www.coloradoradon.info.
