Healthy Homes & Housing

What is Radon?

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas created by the earth. It can easily enter your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, reaching concentrations that could increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Radon is currently the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) show that about half of Colorado’s homes have higher radon levels than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limit.

Testing for Radon

Checking for radon is the first step to keeping your family safe! Testing can be done short-term (two to three days) or long-term (three months to a year). Even homes with passive or active radon mitigation systems should still be checked.

The Adams County Health Department provides no-cost short-term radon testing kits to Adams County homes.

Interested in a long-term test kit? You can order one at your local home improvement store or purchase a discounted kit from the National Radon Program.

Mitigating Radon

If testing shows your home is above the recommended limits of Radon, contact a Radon Mitigation Professional.

CDPHE also offers assistance of up to $1,500 toward the purchase of a radon mitigation system. Fill out the state’s application to see if you qualify.

No level of lead is safe for human health. It can affect almost every organ in your body. When exposed to lead, it can cause significant damage to your brain and nervous system, resulting in behavioral and developmental problems as well as impacted hearing and speech. Children ages five and under and pregnant people are at the highest risk of health impacts from lead.

Common Sources of Lead

Lead can be found in many places in your home, especially in older homes. If renting, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested.

Common lead sources include:

• Paint
• Dust
• Water
• Old water service lines
• Soil
• Certain jobs and hobbies
• Household items and imported goods

Your water provider must test for lead in water and report these findings yearly. These reports can be found on your water provider’s website.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Children with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Sometimes, symptoms may be mistaken for other illnesses. Possible signs include:

• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Poor appetite
• Hyperactivity
• Weight loss
• Irritability or crankiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced attention span
• Constipation or stomach aches

If you are worried your child may have lead poisoning, contact their primary care provider to schedule a test. We will provide a free home investigation if their blood lead level is too high.

Contact us at 720.435.3490 for more information.

CDPHE provides support on how you can reduce or prevent your home’s risk for lead poisoning.

Mold grows in your home when pipes break, water doesn’t drain properly, and when ventilation fans aren’t used.

Symptoms of mold exposure can vary from rashes to breathing problems and even impacts on your immune system. Mold has also been connected to worsening asthma. Symptoms are worse for people who are allergic to mold or considered high-risk, like babies, children, and pregnant people.

The Adams County Health Department can check for mold in your home if you worry that there is mold. Call 303.288.6816 to schedule an appointment.

Illegal methamphetamine home laboratories (meth labs) and meth use in homes have been a problem throughout Colorado. Meth smoke creates dangerous chemicals lingering on surfaces and furniture as well as in ventilation systems and drains. These toxins are a serious threat to families living in a home where meth is currently or has previously been present.

The Adams County Health Department has developed regulations to protect tenants, owners, and home buyers from meth contamination.

Testing for methamphetamine in the home is available through certified contractors.