Protect your Colorado home and family from radon induced lung cancer now

Yes, radon can return to a mitigated Colorado home due to foundation settling, new cracks, ventilation changes, or system failures. Mitigation is a long-term solution, but it’s not forever—like any tool, it requires maintenance and regular checks. Fans may degrade, and soil shifts can alter radon levels. Retest every two years or use a continuous monitor for safety. Talk to your radon mitigation professional to understand expected radon levels and when to call for service.

Not necessarily. A one-time test doesn’t reflect long-term radon exposure, as levels fluctuate due to temperature changes, soil conditions, weather conditions, and structural changes. If testing was done in a warmer month, radon levels may have been lower. To ensure ongoing safety, use a continuous radon monitor or retest at least every two years.

Yes, Colorado has a significant radon problem, ranking 7th highest in the U.S. due to its geology. The state’s average radon level is 6.8 pCi/L—2.8 times higher than the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L. With over 50% of homes exceeding this threshold, continuous radon monitoring and professional mitigation are essential for long-term safety.

Nearly 75% of Colorado falls within the EPA’s Zone 1, indicating the highest radon risk, while the remaining 25% is in Zone 2. Cities with particularly high radon levels include Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Denver. However, due to Colorado’s uranium-rich soil, any home in the state can be at risk, making ongoing radon testing essential.

Living in a home with average radon levels of 6.8 pCi/L is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. This level of exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, highlighting the importance of regular radon testing and mitigation for long-term health and safety.

Radon levels in Colorado are higher than in many other states due to the region's unique geology, particularly the presence of uranium-rich soil and rock. As uranium naturally decays, it releases radon gas, which can seep into homes through cracks in foundations and other openings. Colorado’s mountainous terrain and specific geological formations contribute to elevated radon levels across much of the state. Additionally, the state’s colder climate often leads to homes being sealed tightly, which can trap radon indoors.

Yes, prolonged exposure to high radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer, even for children. Because children have smaller lungs and breathe more air relative to their size, they are more vulnerable to radon’s harmful effects. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. among non-smokers, making it a significant health risk for families.

Yes, radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths overall, after smoking. Even without a history of smoking, long-term exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

Each year, radon exposure is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the EPA. This makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths, underscoring the importance of testing and mitigating radon in homes to reduce this preventable risk.

Schools must test for radon regularly to keep children safe. Homeowners are required to disclose radon levels when selling a home. Some municipalities encourage testing during real estate transactions. However, radon levels could have been recorded in warmer months when radon is less prevalent.

Radon seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, sump pits, and even through well water. It originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. When detected, ventilation is required to release the gas out of the home.

Opening windows may temporarily lower radon levels, but it is not a long-term solution. A properly installed radon mitigation system is far more effective in reducing radon levels consistently. It’s crucial to monitor radon levels regularly to ensure the system is working properly and maintaining a safe indoor environment.

Ignoring high radon levels can significantly increase a family’s risk of lung cancer over time. The risk is higher with prolonged exposure and higher radon concentrations.

The most common method is installing a radon mitigation system, such as a sub-slab depressurization system. These systems vent radon gas from beneath the home to the outside. Costs can range from $800 to $3,500.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) promotes awareness about radon risks and offers discounted radon test kits. The state also supports radon education and training for professionals.