Why Radon is a Serious Issue in Colorado and What to Do About It
Most people have heard of radon. Few people actually understand why it matters — or why Colorado specifically has a problem with it. Here’s what you need to know.
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It seeps up through the ground and into buildings through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Once inside a home it can accumulate to dangerous levels — and you’d never know it was there. It has no color, no smell, and no taste.
Why Colorado?
Colorado’s geology is the problem. The soil and rock across much of the state — especially along the Front Range — contains higher concentrations of uranium than most parts of the country. That means more radon is being produced naturally right beneath the homes people live in every day. Colorado consistently ranks among the top states in the country for elevated indoor radon levels and the Denver Metro area is no exception.
Why it matters
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States behind only smoking. The EPA estimates it’s responsible for around 21,000 deaths per year. Long term exposure to elevated radon levels is a genuine health risk — not a scare tactic. The problem is most people live in affected homes for years without ever testing.
How do you know if your home has it?
You test for it. There is no other way. A radon test is simple — a device is placed in the lowest livable area of the home for a set period of time and then analyzed for radon levels. Results are measured in picocuries per liter. The EPA recommends taking action if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L. Many Colorado homes test well above that threshold.
What do you do if levels are high?
High radon levels are fixable. A mitigation system — typically a pipe and fan installed by a certified contractor — draws radon from beneath the home and vents it outside before it can accumulate indoors. Mitigation usually costs between $800 and $2,500 depending on the home and is highly effective. It’s not a reason to walk away from a home — it’s just something that needs to be addressed.
The bottom line
Radon testing should be standard practice for any home purchase in Colorado. It’s affordable, it’s fast, and it gives you information that directly affects your family’s long term health. It’s one of the reasons we offer radon testing as an add on to every inspection at Stone Ridge. For $150 it’s one of the easiest decisions you’ll make in the whole homebuying process.
