Radon in Colorado ​High radon levels have been found in all 50 states and in all parts of Colorado. In Colorado, about half the homes have radon levels higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L): … Map of radon zones fact sheet.

Why is radon high in Colorado?

Every single Colorado county is at a high risk for radon gas. “It’s largely because radon is a byproduct of the decay of uranium and it exists in our soil everywhere because we live in a highly mineralized state,” said Warren Smith, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Is radon an issue in Denver?

Radon will always be an issue in Colorado and Denver County, and owning a long-term radon unit will allow you to stay safe against this deadly gas as long as you live in this state. … The EPA defines a “safe” level of residential radon as 1.3 pCi/L, and an “action” level of radon as 4.0 pCi/L.

Is radon mitigation required in Colorado?

Only one of the fastest growing counties in Colorado requires new homes to be built with a system to mitigate a cancer causing gas. “Surprisingly the entire state of Colorado is what we call red zone for radon. … There are no state laws requiring a radon test, and it’s not included in a standard house inspection.

What is radon in Colorado?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can enter the home. Most of Colorado contains high concentrations of radon, considered the second highest cause of lung cancer. All Colorado homes should be tested for radon. Radon reduction methods can be planned for and installed during new home construction.

Is radon only in the basement?

Basements aren’t the only place you can find radon. This is a common assumption since radon is most commonly found in basements. Unfortunately, it’s also very wrong. Radon gas can be found anywhere in any home, not just in the basement.

Is radon common in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs, like the whole county of El Paso, has average indoor radon levels of 4.9 to 9 pCi/L. This is almost double the 4.0 pCi/l “level for action” from the EPA in which they strongly recommend homeowners install Radon Mitigation Systems.

Can you reduce radon by opening windows?

As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.

Is it safe to live in a house with radon?

If you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer. … Over time, these radioactive particles increase the risk of lung cancer. It may take years before health problems appear. People who smoke and are exposed to radon are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer.

How much does it cost to install a radon mitigation system in Colorado?

A mitigation system in Colorado usually costs about $800-$1,200 unless difficult design problems are encountered. You might be able to do sub-slab depressurization yourself if you have good handyman skills, including electrical wiring skills.

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What state has the most radon?

• Alaska (10.7)
• South Dakota (9.6)
• Pennsylvania (8.6)
• Ohio (7.8)
• Washington (7.5)
• Kentucky (7.4)
• Montana (7.4)
• Idaho (7.3)

How much does a radon test cost in Colorado?

Radon mitigation costs in Colorado Do-it-yourself testing kits in Colorado range from $10-$50. Home inspectors and radon measurement contractors can perform this service for you if you don’t want to do it yourself. Hiring a professional to test for radon in your home will cost more, perhaps upwards of $150.

Where is radon most commonly found in homes?

Radon levels are often highest in the lowest part of a home or building, so testing in the basement or first floor is a good place to start. Fix your home if a test shows elevated radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. Find a certified contractor, get cost estimates and fix spaces with an elevated radon level.

What time of year are radon levels highest?

Radon levels can vary by season, with the highest levels typically occurring during the months that we heat our homes. That means that even if your home’s radon was below the EPA’s suggested action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air during the warmer months, it could be above that level during the winter.

How do homes get radon?

It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. … Sometimes radon enters the home through well water.

At what level should you mitigate radon?

The EPA advises that radon should be mitigated at levels of 4pCi/L or more. However, as radon gas has been labeled the second highest cause for lung cancer, after smoking, homeowners may choose to mitigate at lower levels to ensure the safety of their families.

What is the most accurate radon test?

• BEST OVERALL: Corentium Home Radon Detector. …
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit. …
• UPGRADE PICK: Airthings Radon & Air Quality Monitor. …
• BEST SHORT-TERM: AccuStar Radon Gas Test Kit. …
• BEST LONG-TERM: Radon Eye Radon Reading Monitor.

Does finishing a basement reduce radon?

Radon levels are above recommended EPA levels. Radon levels must be reduced even if you are not finishing your basement. … Because it comes from the ground, radon levels are usually highest in basements.

Are walkout basements better for radon?

All homes are prone to radon. It doesn’t matter if your home is on a slab, a crawlspace, has a basement or a walkout basement. A basement’s walkout level could help ventilate the basement. … You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you’ve lived with a radon problem for a long time.

Should I walk away from a house with radon?

“You should definitely take it seriously but you really don’t need to walk away from the home. It’s actually pretty easy to remove radon, and it’s not that expensive,” Consumer Reports Home Editor Paul Hope said. Home inspections often include testing for radon – using short term kits.

Should I be worried about radon?

Radon Is a Cancer‑Causing, Radioactive Gas But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.

How do you eliminate radon?

Other radon reduction techniques that can be used in any type of home include: sealing, house or room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation and natural ventilation. Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction.

Should I not buy a house with radon?

The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. … Since removing radon is relatively simple, your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place.

Does rain make radon worse?

Wind and rain storms create the largest variables of radon levels when testing for radon gas. Rainier days tend to result in noticeably higher radon levels. This is because rainy days are often coupled with lower barometric pressure.

Where should I place a radon detector?

Place a radon detector in the breathing zone, 2-6 feet above the floor, and away from drafts, exterior walls, sumps, drains, windows or doors. Radon may enter a building through cracks in the foundation or through sumps or drains and will usually be higher near these entry points.

Can air purifiers reduce radon?

Yes, air purifiers help with radon gas reduction to some extent. The air purifiers with activated carbon filter technology are highly effective in trapping radon gas.

What causes radon in basement?

Radon comes from decaying Uranium that is contained in the rock and soil beneath the basement (under the foundation) of every home. … This process actually draws air more forcefully between the high and low-pressure areas and can pull more air from the rock and soil beneath your home impacting your radon levels.

How do you get rid of radon gas in a basement?

There’s no single method that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.

Can you fix radon yourself?

In most cases, pros charge about $1,500 to install a radon mitigation system, but you can do it yourself for only about $500 in materials. So if you’re fairly handy and have some carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills, you can install your own system in a weekend and save yourself a thousand bucks!

How often is radon found in homes?

It’s common: About 1 in every 15 homes has what’s considered an elevated radon level. The gas is odorless and invisible, says the EPA, and it causes no immediate symptoms, so the only way to know if your home is affected is by testing your individual residence.

Are radon levels higher at night?

During the day, the sun beats down and heats up the house from the outside in, but at night, there is a rapid cooldown. This results in slightly higher radon levels during the day, rather than at night.