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Radon education programs offered in MarchCertified Radon Mitigation is now available in Northeast Colorado due to grant funding to Colorado State University Extension from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In 2009, the grant provided three mitigation training scholarships in Northeast Colorado. The first recipient to complete the training is Rod Barnhart of Brush, who completed the extensive training during the fall and was certified by the end of December. Rod has established a mitigation and measurement business, High Plains Radon, LLC to service northeast Colorado. The grant covered the training registration and first year membership in the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists. After completing each training segment, Barnhart paid to take the certification exams as well as the cost for spending several days in mentoring sessions with a certified radon mitigator in the front range. He also was responsible for setting up his own business and obtaining liability insurance. Having a Certified Radon Mitigator available in Northeast Colorado is important. Due to increased awareness of the health hazards of high radon levels, homebuyers often include radon tests as part of a sales contract. Some lenders also now require testing. High radon is considered a major cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to smoking. Colorado State University Extension has provided radon education programs since fall 2007. Program participants receive a free short-term radon tester at programs. Of homes tested, 50 percent have levels higher than recommended for health. Radon enters a home through decay of soil which releases the odorless gas. The gas enters the home wherever there is an avenue where foundation touches soil such as cracks or construction openings, floor drains, etc. The gas then warms and flows up throughout the house. Mitigation of a home uses venting to pull the radon gas from underneath the home and release into the outside air. Radon programs are being presented in several counties in Northeast Colorado during March. There is no charge for the programs and participants receive a free radon tester. Pre-registration is requested so enough handouts and radon testers will be available. To register for any program, call your local Extension office or Morgan County Extension, 970-542-3544. Scheduled programs are March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Phillips County Event Center, Holyoke, and 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex meeting room in Julesburg. Programs March 10 are 9:30 a.m. at the Wray Senior Community Center in Wray; 1:30 p.m. at Burlington Community and Education Center, Room B in Burlington; and 6 p.m. at Yuma Housing Authority in Yuma. Programs March 17 are 12 p.m. for the Washington County Health Council meeting at the Akron Senior Center and 6 p.m. at the Washington County Extension office, Courthouse Annex in Akron.
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