Free radon seminar to educate residents, distribute detection kits
Eagle Mountain residents have an opportunity to learn more about an invisible but serious health risk common in Utah homes: radon gas.
A free seminar hosted by the Eagle Mountain Public Library and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will take place on Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Eagle Mountain City Council Chambers.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations and become trapped inside, increasing exposure risks.
“Radon isn’t something most people think about day to day, but it’s a very real concern in Utah—and in Eagle Mountain specifically,” says Library Programmer Heidi Garces. “Hosting this seminar is part of our effort to bring important, potentially life-saving information directly to the community.”
Utah is particularly vulnerable due to its geology, which makes many homes susceptible to radon accumulation. According to the Utah Radon Coalition, the state’s combination of uranium-rich soil and tightly constructed homes due to cold winters puts many Utahns at risk.
In fact, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Between 1973 and 2019, an estimated 6,278 lung cancer deaths in Utah were linked to radon exposure, according to the World Health Organization’s estimates cited by the Utah Radon Coalition.
Despite the risk, radon is often overlooked because it is invisible, odorless and tasteless.
“We’re excited to partner with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to bring their expertise and firsthand stories to our community,” Library Assistant Director Kristin Allred says. “Their involvement ensures that attendees will leave with both the knowledge and resources to take action.”
The seminar will feature Eleanor Divver, Utah Radon Coordinator with the Department of Environmental Quality, who will explain how radon enters homes, how to test for it, and what to do if high levels are found. A lung cancer survivor from Lehi, whose illness was linked to radon exposure, will also speak and share their experience.
As part of the event, the first 50 attendees will receive a free radon detection kit, courtesy of the DEQ. Only one kit will be distributed per household.
These kits allow residents to easily measure radon levels in their homes and determine if further action is needed.
For those who miss out on the free kits, the Eagle Mountain Public Library has radon monitors available for checkout. Each kit includes a monitor, instructions, and a power cord.
“At the library, we’re committed to more than just books—we want to be a resource for lifelong learning, and that includes health and safety education,” Garces says. “This seminar fits right in with our mission to serve the whole community.”
Although funding is currently paused for low-income mitigation assistance through the Utah Radon Coalition, their website remains a valuable resource for learning about radon risks and potential future support programs.
The good news is that high radon levels are fixable. Radon mitigation systems are effective and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%, providing peace of mind and improved long-term health outcomes.
The June 4 seminar aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action by making information and resources easily accessible to residents.
For questions about the event, contact the Eagle Mountain Public Library at 801-789-6623.