Radon Gas is a concern for every Colorado homeowner!
About Radon Gas
Radon is a Cancer-Causing, Radioactive Gas
What is Radon?
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, originates from the breakdown of radioactive metals such as uranium, thorium, and radium in rocks, soil, and groundwater. This tasteless, odorless, and colorless gas seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, sump pumps, crawl spaces, and pipes. Individuals are exposed to radon gas by inhaling air that permeates through cracks and gaps in buildings and home foundations. The average indoor radon level in Colorado is estimated to be 1.3 pCi/L, while the outdoor level is approximately 0.4 pCi/L. According to current EPA guidelines, remedial action should be considered if radon concentrations inside a home exceed an annual average of 4 pCi/L. Prolonged exposure to radon in poorly ventilated spaces can cause damage to lung tissue and is regarded as the second leading cause of lung cancer. Nevertheless, with proper ventilation, the gas becomes diluted in outdoor air and no longer poses a health hazard.
Elevated radon levels are easy to detect and possible to reduce!
Colorado has high concentrations of radon, and the only way to know if your home is affected is to test. Testing for radon is simple: a collector is placed in the home for a predetermined period, and then a lab measures the radon buildup. The simplest test is a charcoal canister. These types of EPA-approved testing kits are readily available for purchase from your local hardware store, online, and from REC East. Homeowners should test for radon levels every two years and after any major construction or renovation project.
Response to elevated radon levels
The primary responses to the presence of radon are prevention of radon entry into a structure and the removal or radon from a structure. The cost of having radon removed by professionals will depend on the means of removal rather than the radon level. Low levels cost the same as high levels if the same method must be used. Please see our Residential Services page (link) for methods that may be used in your home.
Want to learn more?
Information about radon can be found online from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.