Radon Risks in Colorado Springs

Advanced Radon Systems > Radon Risks in Colorado Springs

When is radon gas a problem?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed from the breakdown of uranium in the soil.  You cannot see, smell or taste radon gas.  The gas escapes from the ground through cracks and other holes in your home’s foundation.  Your home traps the gas and with time, it builds and can have adverse effects on those breathing it.  Radon gas is said to decay into radioactive particles that can get trapped in the lungs.

Even if you are breathing in a high level of radon, there are no obvious signs.  Instead, prolonged exposure to high radon levels puts you at a significant risk of developing lung cancer.  The symptoms of lung cancer are what you experience when you have significant radon poisoning.  If you are a smoker, your risk is even higher.

Symptoms and signs of lung cancer from radon exposure include:

  • Persistent cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing up blood
  • Chest pain
  • Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking cigarettes are the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and radon is the second leading cause.  It is estimated that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are caused by radon exposure.

One reason radon poisoning is so dangerous is that the symptoms take a while to appear.  Radon poisoning builds up very slowly in your body, so when the symptoms finally appear, you can’t afford to ignore them.  All too often radon poisoning symptoms do not actually appear until you already have cancer or are quite close.  This is why it is best to test for radon early, even if you haven’t noticed symptoms yet.

Radon Risks in Colorado

Colorado is known as Zone 1 when it comes to the presence of high radon gas levels. 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 most Colorado residents know, we live in a mineral rich state.  Uranium and other radioactive decay particles are spread throughout the soil throughout the entire state, including the Denver and Colorado Springs area. Most Coloradans are surprised to learn that we have had major Uranium mines right here in southern Colorado. The Schwartzwalder Mine, 8 miles north of Golden operated from the early 1950’s until 1995. The Mann Mine near Morrison ran from 1955 to 1961.  Together these produced millions and millions of pounds of uranium oxide. (Though Radon is a problem in many parts of the state without Uranium mines as well.)

How radon enters buildings

 Radon gas enters homes and other buildings through the slab, basement, or crawl space. Pressure differences within the home (from warm air rising and other natural effects) pull radon into living spaces from the soil.  Furnace & air conditioning systems can distribute the air throughout the entire building with ease.

 Let’s break down the ways radon can enter your home:

  • Soil:  Uranium deposits in the soil and rock are the main cause of elevated radon levels in your homes. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of your home creates a vacuum that pulls radon through foundation cracks and other openings.
  • Cracks:  All exposed cracks and other openings in the floor of the lowest level of the home can allow Radon to enter.  It is important to note, though, that because radon is a radioactive gas, it can enter the home without cracks or openings. While sealing cracks can be beneficial to the radon systems performance, sealing is not recommended as a standalone solution. 
  • Drainage:  An open drain tile system (a gap between the concrete floor and wall) will allow radon to enter in the home at a faster rate and will increase the levels of radon.  A sump can also be another area where Radon can enter your home. 
  • Water:  Radon entering the home through water is a small risk compared with radon entering your home from the soil.  Well water can bring Radon into the home through the shower or other water sources.

What do you do if your home tests high for radon?

If an initial short-term test registers 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, the EPA recommends doing a second radon test.  A long-term test will give you the most accurate information, but a short-term test is acceptable if you need the results quickly, such as for a real estate transaction, or your first levels registered 8 pCi/L or higher.  If a second test registers above 4 pCi/L, consider taking steps to reduce radon levels in your home, the EPA cautions.

Your best solution to high radon levels in your home is to have a radon mitigation system installed by experienced professionals.  A radon mitigation system involves ventilating your home by using PVC piping to draw radon gas up from the soil and out of your house.  The most effective system is a vent pipe placed in the sump pit (if you have a sump pump) or a hole made under your concrete floor slab.  A special in-line radon fan is placed in the attic or outside the house to draw air through the vent and radon from under the basement floor. The easiest method is to run the vent out the side of the house and up to the eaves. (You can also run the vent up through the house and out the roof, which is a lot more work and cost, but it looks better).

When you are ready to tackle the risk of radon in your home, call the experts at Advanced Radon Systems.  We have over a decade of experience mitigating radon in buildings of all types and you can count on us for honesty, integrity, and a straightforward approach to a successful resolution. Call Brandon today at 719-205-6461.