(1) The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that:
Radon, an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas, is the leading cause of lung cancerdeaths among nonsmokers in the nation and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths overall;
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;
Indoor radon ranks among the most serious environmental health problems;
Colorado ranks seventh in the nation for highest potential radon risk;
All of Colorado's counties are at high risk for radon, and fifty percent of Coloradohomes have radon levels that should be mitigated;
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
Increased education and awareness of the harmful effects of radon exposure will helpsave 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:
Provide radon information and education statewide to citizens, businesses, and othersin need of information;
Work collaboratively with radon contractors and citizens to resolve questions andconcerns regarding the installation of safe, healthy, and efficient radon mitigation systems; and
Collaborate with local governments to provide information on best practices for radon mitigation strategies.
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.
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.