Nearly 73% (that is every 3 out of 4 homes) of all homes in Colorado have high levels of the gas. The EPA recommended action level is 4 pCi (picocuries) of radon per one liter of air, meaning that any level higher than that requires mitigation. As said earlier, radon is naturally occurring.
Do all homes in Colorado have radon?
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): Colorado radon zones. Map of radon zones fact sheet.
Is there a lot of radon in Colorado?
Radon levels are high in Colorado Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Unfortunately, about 50% of homes in Colorado have high Radon levels. A high radon level is any level above a 4 pCi/L measurement, made by an at-home test-kit or a continuous radon monitor.
Why is radon so high in Colorado?
Different soils have different concentrations of uranium, but the mineral makeup of Colorado’s soil is particularly uranium-dense. … The occurrence of radon gas is so high in almost every county across the state that nearly half of all Colorado homes are projected to have elevated levels of radon.How bad is radon in Colorado?
Colorado Ranks 7th Highest in Radon Levels As the uranium breaks down over time it converts into a gas that escapes through the fissures and cracks in the surface of the earth. … Once the gas finds its way into your home, it can build into a concentration that can be harmful to your health with long-term exposure.
Is there radon in Denver?
The average level of radon in Denver County is estimated to be more than the EPA’s recommended maximum of 4.0 pCi/L. Because radon causes cancer, Denver residents and Colorado residents, in general, would do well to take action against this radioactive gas.
Does Colorado require radon testing?
Low cost radon test kits are available through the state and some counties.
How much does it cost to put in 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.How common is radon 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.
How do you eliminate radon?The most common remediation techniques include: sub-floor depressurisation (radon sump), increased under-floor ventilation, positive pressurisation, increased indoor ventilation and the sealing of cracks and gaps in the floor and around service entry points.
Article first time published onWhy do Colorado homes have radon?
As said earlier, radon is naturally occurring. It is a byproduct of decomposing uranium, a metal commonly found in the ground across many areas of Colorado, mostly in trace amounts. The presence of this metal in most of the counties is the sole reason for high recorded levels of radon gas.
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.
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.
Why does my house have radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.
What is the most accurate radon test?
90+ Day Long Term Detector The Radtrak² is our most comprehensive radon test which monitors between 90 days and 1 full year. This extremely accurate test will take into account all of the daily fluctuations in radon levels.
Is radon a problem in Grand Junction?
The EPA estimates that about 1 in every 15 homes across the US has elevated levels of radon. In a city like Grand Junction, with about 60,000 homes, that’s a statistical 4,000 homes that have dangerous amounts of radon trapped in them, unbeknownst to the occupants.
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.
Are home radon tests accurate?
“Short-term radon test kits are not effective in measuring radon gas exposure: Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time.” ScienceDaily.
How long does it take to detect radon?
You can’t get overnight results from a test and also have true accuracy and cost-effectiveness. The best radon tests will take anywhere from 48 hours to multiple months, depending on the type of screening you choose and any state-specific requirements.
Is radon usually found in basements?
Because it is often found unexpectedly in basements, some people mistakenly believe that it only occurs in basements. … The fact that porous foundation walls allow radon gas to enter a home is no secret and with most basements containing a sump well, there are many access points from which radon can enter a home.
Do all basements have radon?
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.
How does radon get in basement?
Radon gas accumulates in basements because of low ventilation. Heating and air-conditioning, natural air movement, the “stack effect,” as well as diffusion of radon gas through the floors and walls distribute radon throughout the house.
Is it OK 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.
What state has the highest radon?
Alaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L. Homeowners in Alaska are encouraged to test for radon every two years. Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels: Alaska (10.7)
Do most old homes have radon?
No particular style of home is more likely to have a radon problem; including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, or homes without basements.
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.
How often should you test for radon?
If you’re wondering how often you should test for radon, here are the facts. To provide peace of mind, 2the EPA recommends testing your home after any lifestyle changes, renovations and every two years as part of routine home maintenance.
Is a radon level of 5 bad?
Safe radon levels The best radon level measurement would be zero. … The average global outdoor radon level varies between 5-15 Bq/m3, equal to 0.135-0.405 pCi/L. For every 99.9 Bq/m3, or every 2.7 pCI/L increase in long term radon exposure, lung cancer risk rises 16%4.
How much does it cost to fix radon problem?
How much does a radon mitigation system cost to install? The cost of a radon system depends on a number of factors, including the layout and foundation of your house. The average radon system costs between $800 to $2000 — sometimes less, sometimes more, depending on the house.
How do you treat radon in a basement?
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.
Can air purifiers help with radon?
Air Purifiers are great for mold, dust, allergies, bacteria and viruses, and odors, but many people do not know that they can also help with toxins, gases and chemicals such as radon. The most important type of air filter to reduce radon levels is an activated carbon filter.
