Radon Facts For Colorado Homeowners

By Author: Bethany Hyde
Total Articles: 3
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Radon is a dangerous, colorless, odorless, radioactive single atom gas which is found in varying degrees in all states of the U.S. Being single-atom, radon is able to penetrate through most commonly used items. It can percolate through low-density plastic used to make bags or all sorts, through paper, leather, and other household materials. Radon mitigation in areas like, Aurora, CO becomes very important. Radon is of concern in your home; it can infiltrate through most building materials like concrete, solid flooring, construction joints, paints and insulation, mortar and gypsum board. It easily works its way through gaps around service pipes and suspended floors.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon is radioactive and a carcinogen, which means it's cancer-causing. According to the Surgeon General and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is second only to smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer. Children are proven to be more susceptible to radon damage. The reason for this is believed to be their higher respiratory rates and rapid cell division. Radon is found in groundwater and springs. It is released ...
... when water evaporates and radon isotopes quickly attach themselves to airborne materials. This makes radon very pervasive and easy to inhale. Doctors believe that the dangers of inhalation far outweigh that from ingestion, but agree on both their toxicity.

Where is Radon Found in Homes?

Large accumulations of radon are generally found in basements and other places with little ventilation. People who work in confined spaces like mines, buildings, tunnels, power stations, spas, and public baths are at high risk if the levels of radon are elevated.
What are the average levels in Colorado?
The national average for radon is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The maximum acceptable limit is 4pCi/L, as certified by the EPA. Most counties in Colorado record between 2 to 4pCi/L and the rest are above 4pCi/l. Groundwater and springs around Boulder, for example, are known to contain elevated radon levels which impact the surrounding environment.
To illustrate, average indoor radon levels of some counties in Colorado are as follows:
Boulder 5.5pCi/L
Denver 4.4pCi/L

What can I do to have my home Tested?

Quick radon testing can be done with a do-it-yourself kit, which is available at many retail stores. However, this might not present an accurate picture because radon levels change from day-to-day and often from one season to the next. In fact, it could be different from one room to the next. A more accurate picture can emerge from a long-term test, which gives you the average radon levels throughout the year. Radon testing in Boulder, CO is done by many state certified radon testers. If you live in Aurora, CO you could have radon testing done by an EPA or state certified radon tester. The same applies for radon testing in Denver, CO homes.

What Next?

If your home tests high for radon the next step would be radon mitigation. This almost always can be completed by the same company testing your home. There are many reliable basement and foundation companies in Colorado that are certified radon testers and will also undertake radon mitigation.

Complete Basement Systems of Colorado is certified to provide accurate and EPA certified radon testing and mitigation for your home. Visit them today for an estimate