Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is estimated to cause 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. In Garfield County, 40 percent of homes have tested high for radon.

Radon exposure is a cancer risk that we can do something about. Two free workshops are being held in Glenwood Springs and Rifle to inform residents about radon testing and how to make your home safe.

Morgan Hill, radon expert with Garfield County Environmental Health, will explain where radon comes from, the health risks of radon exposure, testing for radon, and how the mitigation process works for a variety of homes.

Anyone who has done radon testing with results above the EPA “action limit” of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), or anyone interested in learning more about radon testing and mitigation, is encouraged to attend either of the free workshops.

Hill will also provide resources for do-it-yourself solutions and references for radon mitigation contractors that serve western Colorado.

The Rifle workshop is set for Thursday, June 6, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Garfield County Administrative Annex 195 West 14th Street Rifle, CO 81650.

The free radon workshops are presented by Garfield Clean Energy, CLEER: Clean Energy Economy for the Region and Garfield County, and Garfield County Public Health.