(1) The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that:
- (a) Radon, an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the nation and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths overall;
- (b) Radon originates from the decay of naturally occurring uranium in Colorado granite, soil, and bedrock and can accumulate in structures at dangerous risk levels to humans;
- (c) Indoor radon ranks among the most serious environmental health problems;
- (d) Colorado ranks seventh in the nation for highest potential radon risk;
- (e) All of Colorado's counties are at high risk for radon, and fifty percent of Colorado homes have radon levels that should be mitigated;
- (f) An estimated five hundred Coloradans die from radon-induced lung cancer annually, causing more deaths than drunk driving, house fires, carbon monoxide, and drowning combined; and
- (g) Increased education and awareness of the harmful effects of radon exposure will help save the lives of Coloradans and reduce the burden of health-care costs from radon-induced lung cancer.
(2) The department shall establish a radon education and awareness program. As a part of the program, the department shall:
- (a) Provide radon information and education statewide to citizens, businesses, and others in need of information;
- (b) Work collaboratively with radon contractors and citizens to resolve questions and concerns regarding the installation of safe, healthy, and efficient radon mitigation systems; and
- (c) Collaborate with local governments to provide information on best practices for radon mitigation strategies.
- (3) Effective January 1, 2017, the department shall establish a radon mitigation assistance program to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals for radon mitigation in their homes. The state board of health shall set the program requirements, including eligibility requirements for financial assistance.
- (4) The department shall use money in the hazardous substance response fund, established in section 25-16-104.6, to finance the radon education and awareness program and the radon mitigation assistance program.
Source: L. 2016: Entire section added, (HB 16-1141), ch. 128, p. 364, § 1, effective August 10.