The Hidden Danger
Radon is a silent, invisible, and odorless gas that could be present in your home without you even realizing it. Despite being naturally occurring, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA. The good news? Radon testing is simple, affordable, and could save lives.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. As radon escapes into the air, it can seep into homes through:
- Cracks in walls and foundations
- Gaps around pipes or cables
- Sump pumps or crawl spaces
Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, particularly in basements and lower levels of homes.
Why Is Radon Dangerous?
Radon exposure is linked to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S. When radon is inhaled, its radioactive particles can damage lung tissue over time, increasing the risk of cancer. The risk is higher for smokers (combined with radon, the risk is significantly amplified).
Why Test for Radon?
- Radon Is Undetectable Without Testing. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, so the only way to know if it’s present is to test for it.
- Protect Your Family’s Health. Identifying and mitigating radon levels can significantly reduce health risks for you and your loved ones.
- It’s a Nationwide Concern. High radon levels have been found in homes across the U.S., not just in specific regions. Every home, regardless of age, construction type, or location, could be at risk.
- In El Paso County, 41%of all homes tested have radon levels that exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
- In Pueblo County, 64%exceeded the recommended action level.
- In Teller County, 55%exceeded the recommended action level.
How Do You Arrange a Radon Test?
- Most home inspection companies can coordinate a radon test as part of the overall home inspection process. The cost typically averages around $200.
- Radon testing in the state of Colorado must be performed by either a licensed radon measurement technician or a licensed radon measurement specialist.
- A short-term is typically completed by placing a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) on the lowest livable space in the home for a minimum of 48 hours. The monitors continually record radon concentration levels, temperature, and barometric pressure during the test period. Reports are typically generated within a few minutes.
What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?
- If radon levels in the home exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air), mitigation is recommended.
- Radon mitigation systems are very effective and relatively affordable. The installation process typically involves installing a vent pipe system to redirect radon gas outside and sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation.
- Mitigation systems can typically bring radon levels below 2.0 pCi/L, significantly reducing health risks to the home’s occupants.
How Much Does Radon Mitigation Cost?
The cost of a radon mitigation system ranges $800 – $2,500. The cost is dependent upon the size and layout of the home.
Who Should Test for Radon?
- Every homebuyer should test for radon during the home inspection process.
- Homeowners should periodically test their home for elevated radon levels. The EPA recommends testing the home every 2 years if the home is equipped with a radon mitigation system and every 5 years if the home does not.
Bottom Line: Test to Protect Your Home and Family
Radon testing is a small step with potentially life-saving benefits. Whether you’re a homebuyer or homeowner, testing for radon ensures you’re not living with a hidden health risk. Schedule a radon test today and take the first step toward a safer, healthier living environment.
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