Can radon come back into a Colorado home if it was already mitigated?

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.

If I had my Colorado home tested for radon before, does that mean it is still safe?

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.

Does Colorado have a radon problem?

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.

What Colorado cities are most at risk of radon?

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.

What is the equivalent health risk of living in a Colorado home with average radon levels?

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.

Could a child growing up in a home with radon in Colorado end up with lung cancer?

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.

Could I really get lung cancer if I have never smoked a cigarette a day in my life?

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.

How do you mitigate radon if you have it in your Colorado home?

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.

Is opening the windows the best way to deter radon if levels elevate too high in your Colorado 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.

What is the government doing about radon in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) raises awareness about radon risks, offers discounted test kits, and supports professional radon education and training.