Editor's note: In recognition of National Air Quality Awareness week, Garfield, Eagle, Mesa, and Pitkin County, the city of Aspen, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are working together to raise awareness about indoor and outdoor air quality issues, encouraging communities to “share the air.”

Approximately 50 percent of homes tested in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties have radon levels that are higher than EPA guidelines. These homes need to have radon mitigation work, according to Chrys Kelly, radon coordinator for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Garfield County recently received a grant from the state of Colorado to purchase and give away free home radon test kits.

“In the past three months, we have given out 580 kits,” said Mindy Yost, radon program manager for the Garfield County Public Health Department.

Radon is a radioactive gas known to cause cancer.

It is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer among the whole population. According to EPA estimates, radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year nationwide.

Radon is produced by the radioactive decay of uranium, which occurs naturally in soil. Radon gas enters homes through cracks in the floor, spaces around utility pipes or earthen crawl spaces, and will accumulate unless it is properly vented.

In Colorado, 52 of the state's 64 counties are at high risk for radon. The gas moves unpredictably through soil, so it is possible for radon to collect in one home but not in a home next door.

Easy to use radon test kits are available by calling Garfield County Public Health at 625-5200 or by visiting www.garfield-county.com.