Colorado has high levels of radon, which can cause lung cancer – here’s how to lower your risk

Only 50% of Colorado homes have been tested for radon.

By: Jan Lowery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 20, 2026

Words: 1,009

Last Updated: 3 days, 5 hours ago

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By Jan Lowery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

In Colorado, as of 2025, about 500 people a year die from lung cancer as the result of radon gas exposure. Nationally, the number of lung cancer deaths attributed to radon is about 21,000 per year.

Radon is present nearly everywhere outdoors, yet typically at levels that are not harmful. It becomes dangerous when it gets trapped and accumulates inside homes, schools and other buildings. …

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