Understanding Radon and Its Risks
Imagine this scenario, you walk outside to get the mail and you see a truck parked outside your neighbor’s house. The logo wrapped on the truck says “ExperTech Environmental.” A short while later, you see your neighbor and ask “what was that truck doing a few days ago?”
Turns out... your neighbor’s home has high levels of radon. This gets you to ask two questions, "What is radon?" and "Does my home have high levels of radon, just like my neighbor's?"
This guide aims to answer your concerns and explain the importance of radon testing in homes, especially in Southern Colorado.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium, found in soil, rock, and water.
Although colorless and odorless, its presence can have serious health implications when high levels accumulate indoors.
Radon and Neighboring Homes
Radon levels can vary significantly from one home to the next due to differences in construction, soil composition, and ventilation. Just because your neighbor has high radon levels doesn’t guarantee that your home does.
However, it sometimes increases the likelihood that your home could have elevated radon levels, requiring immediate attention.
Health Hazards of Radon
Prolonged exposure to radon gas can lead to lung cancer. The risk is particularly high for smokers and former smokers.
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get brought in your lungs when you breathe, damaging lung tissue over time.
This damage can lead to lung cancer, making radon testing essential for maintaining a safe living environment.
Why You Should Be Concerned
High Levels of Radon in Colorado
Southern Colorado is known for having elevated radon levels. Geological factors contribute to higher concentrations of radon in homes.
Statistics indicate that nearly half of homes in Colorado have radon levels exceeding the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
Health and Safety Concerns
Ignoring the high radon levels in your neighbor’s home could put your family's health at risk. The only way to ensure your home is safe is to conduct a radon test.
What is Radon Testing?
The Purpose of Radon Testing
Radon testing aims to measure the concentration of radon gas in your home.
By identifying the radon levels, you can determine whether mitigation is necessary to decrease radon levels and ensure a safer living environment.
Types of Radon Tests
There are generally two types of radon tests:
- Short-Term Radon Tests: These tests last between 2 and 7 days. They are quick and can provide an initial assessment of radon levels. Short-term tests are useful for real estate transactions or when you need immediate results.
- Long-Term Radon Tests: These tests last 90 days to a year and provide a more accurate picture of the home’s average radon levels. Long-term tests are highly recommended for comprehensive assessment.
How is Radon Testing Done in Homes?
DIY Radon Test Kits
While DIY radon test kits are available at hardware stores, their accuracy can be limited by user error and improper placement. Accurate radon testing involves specific procedures that are best handled by professionals.
Professional Radon Testing
Hiring radon testing professionals ensures accurate results.
These experts follow stringent protocols to measure radon levels accurately:
- Placement of Test Devices: Professionals will strategically place radon test kits in the lowest lived-in level of the home, as radon levels are often higher in basements.
- Monitoring: The devices are left in place for the required period, ensuring they are not disturbed.
- Analysis: The collected data is sent to a lab for analysis, and the results are reported to you.
What If High Levels of Radon Are Found?
Radon Mitigation Options
If radon levels above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L are detected, radon mitigation is necessary. A radon mitigation system effectively reduces radon levels by ventilating radon gas beneath the home and venting it outdoors.
Professional Radon Mitigation
It’s crucial to hire radon mitigation professionals for this task. They have the expertise and certifications to ensure the system is installed correctly.
The system usually involves:
- Installing a Ventilation System: This includes a fan and PVC piping to draw radon gas from beneath the home and release it safely outside.
- Sealing Entry Points: Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation to prevent radon gas from seeping into the home.
Benefits of Regular Radon Testing
Peace of Mind
Regular radon testing gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from the dangers of radon gas.
Health Protection
Reducing radon levels minimizes the risk of lung cancer, providing a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Expert Advice and Assistance
If you have discovered that your neighbor’s home has high radon levels, it is wise to take proactive measures. Radon testing in your home will determine if mitigation is required.
Remember, radon levels can vary greatly even among neighboring homes.
Contact ExperTech Environmental for Radon Testing in Southern Colorado
Given the high incidence of elevated radon levels in Southern Colorado, it's crucial to prioritize radon testing in your home. Elevated radon levels pose severe health risks, but professional radon testing and mitigation can ensure your home remains safe and healthy.
For expert radon testing and mitigation services, contact certified professionals who can provide accurate assessments and effective solutions.
ExperTech Environmental offers reliable and comprehensive radon testing and mitigation services in Southern Colorado to ensure your home is safe.
Contact us today to schedule a radon inspection and take the first step toward safeguarding your family's health.
