Half of Weld County Homes Show Elevated Radon Levels, Prompting January Action Month

The Weld County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed January 2026 National Radon Action Month after county health officials found roughly half of homes tested over two decades had elevated radon levels. The proclamation emphasizes testing and awareness during winter when homes are "typically sealed up and radon levels can be higher indoors," according to the county.

WCDPHE Programs Manager Gabri Vergara said, "During those 20-plus years, we have distributed over 10,000 radon test kits to Weld County residents. And of those 10,000 homes that have been tested, approximately 50% have had elevated radon levels."

Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas from uranium decay, enters homes through foundation cracks and openings. Testing is the only way to determine a home's radon level.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets 4.0 pCi/L as the action level at which homeowners should fix homes, with mitigation also considered at 2–4 pCi/L. Mitigation effectively reduces radon to safer levels.

Commissioner and WCDPHE Coordinator Jason Maxey emphasized the stakes: "When you look at the numbers—the second leading cause of lung cancer overall in the United States—this is an important issue."

The 50% figure mirrors statewide trends. Colorado Environmental Public Health Tracking reports that approximately 50% of unmitigated homes in Colorado have radon levels above the action level of 4 pCi/L.

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment provides free short-term radon test kits to county residents—one per household, while supplies last. Residents can visit www.weld.gov/go/radon for information on testing, mitigation, and how to request a kit.