Frequently Asked Questions About Radon
What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas created from natural deposits of uranium and radium in the soil. Radon gas can be drawn into a building and accumulate to concentrations that can increase the potential for contracting lung cancer. Although there are rare cases where the source of the radon has come from building materials created from spent-uranium processing plants, the major source of radon in Colorado homes comes from the natural deposits of uranium commonly found in Colorado geology. It is seldom caused by human intervention like other environmental concerns.
Why should I be concerned about radon?
Once created in the underlying soil or geology, radon is easily drawn into a home through its foundation. Radon is a radioactive gas that decays into a series of solid particles known as radon decay products.
Where does radon come from?
Natural deposits of uranium and radium buried deep in the soil create radon, which is a radioactive gas. Radon can rise undetected through the soil to the surface and collect in homes, offices, schools and other buildings. Construction supplies from spent-uranium processing plants are another source of radon, but this situation is rare.
Why should we care about radon?
Radon is invisible as well as radioactive. If concentrations are high enough, radon has the potential to cause lung cancer. Radon easily enters buildings through the foundation. Because radon decays in the air, its tiny airborne particles, known as "radon decay products," can be inhaled, endangering people and pets. Analogous to an aerosol, this radioactive mist can release alpha radiation into the lungs. Studies of laboratory animals and miners confirm that prolonged exposure to radon increases the potential for lung cancer. Scientists regard it as a Group A carcinogen. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. People concerned about their health and the resale value of their homes care about testing for radon and eliminating the presence of this radioactive gas. Schools and businesses are equally concerned. The U.S. Surgeon General and federal Environmental Protection Agency recommend that radon levels not exceed 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L).
Is radon common?
Four out of ten Colorado homes potentially contain unsafe levels of radon, according to the state's Department of Public Health & Environment. The state agency uses the federal government's guideline of 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L) as a safety standard. Colorado geology, which is laced with natural deposits of uranium and radium, is conducive to forming radon. Unsafe levels of this radioactive gas have been found in new as well as old buildings. Radon can enter any type of building through any type of foundation, including crawl spaces, basements and concrete slabs.
How do I know if I have radon?
The only way to know how much radon is in your home or office is to have the building tested. Techniques and equipment for detecting radon have improved significantly during the past 15 years. Buyers and sellers typically test for radon before a property changes ownership. Specialized measuring devices not only determine the presence of radon but also the potential exposure. Because radon rises, its concentrations are highest at the building's lowest levels. Consequently, testers assume that concentrations are lower at the building's upper levels. Exterior doors and windows are closed during the tests.
Tips for Homebuyers
Identify the house you plan to buy. Ask for a short-term radon test as part of the home inspection process. If the home inspector is not qualified to test for radon, ask for a certified radon measurement professional. If the results are less than 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L), no further action is necessary, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. If test results exceed 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L), consider asking the seller for a concession to pay for a mitigation system. Choose your own contractor because having the seller install a system can lead to real big problems. See our RADON DONTS page. Getting bids from contractors specializing in radon reduction can be a negotiating tool when buying a home.
How does one reduce or eliminate radon?
Reduction systems rely on fans to blow radon outdoors, far away enough from windows and doors so the potentially lethal gas can't reenter the building. Systems also rely on pipes that draw radon from the soil under the foundation. The gas is drawn to the fan, which ejects it outside the building. Depending on the type of foundation, the radon reduction system might have a sump lid connection or a high density plastic sheet.
How much does it cost to reduce radon?
Installation of a radon reduction system typically cost between $1,100 to $1,400, according to national averages. In Colorado, the cost of operating a system averages about $3 a month. Fans, which last about 11 years, cost between $225 and $350 to replace. Maintenance is virtually non existent.
How do I know whether I have a good radon reduction system?
Local building codes and the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Radon Mitigation Standards provide guidelines for safe, efficient and effective radon reduction systems. The point of discharge -- that is, where the radon is blown away from the building -- must be ten feet away from any opening, such as a window or door. The point of discharge must also be at least two feet higher than the closest opening. The point of discharge must be above the roof eaves' level. The point of discharge must be 10 feet above grade. The pipe may be installed inside or outside the home. Fans should not be installed inside the home or crawl space. They may be installed outside, in an attic or in a garage. New radon reduction systems must be tested two days to 30 days after installation. The building should be retested for radon every two years.
What else do I need to know?
Colorado regulations also include guidelines for disclosure about the existence of radon. The Colorado Seller's Property Disclosure Form contains information about environmental conditions and section F deals with radon. Because radon is considered a hazard, the seller must disclose the known existence or known past existence of radon. Disclosure is most especially required if the seller has previously tested for radon and/or has a radon reduction system. Even if past test results show radon levels to be less than 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L), this information must be disclosed. Copies of test results should be provided. Disclosing the existence of a radon reduction system is important, because it indicates that radon levels previously exceeded federal and state safety guidelines. If the system fails or falls into disrepair, radon levels likely would rise to unsafe levels.
Want more information?
CLICK HERE to download the EPA's Citizen's Guide to Radon.
Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas created from natural deposits of uranium and radium in the soil. Radon gas can be drawn into a building and accumulate to concentrations that can increase the potential for contracting lung cancer. Although there are rare cases where the source of the radon has come from building materials created from spent-uranium processing plants, the major source of radon in Colorado homes comes from the natural deposits of uranium commonly found in Colorado geology. It is seldom caused by human intervention like other environmental concerns.
Why should I be concerned about radon?
Once created in the underlying soil or geology, radon is easily drawn into a home through its foundation. Radon is a radioactive gas that decays into a series of solid particles known as radon decay products.
Where does radon come from?
Natural deposits of uranium and radium buried deep in the soil create radon, which is a radioactive gas. Radon can rise undetected through the soil to the surface and collect in homes, offices, schools and other buildings. Construction supplies from spent-uranium processing plants are another source of radon, but this situation is rare.
Why should we care about radon?
Radon is invisible as well as radioactive. If concentrations are high enough, radon has the potential to cause lung cancer. Radon easily enters buildings through the foundation. Because radon decays in the air, its tiny airborne particles, known as "radon decay products," can be inhaled, endangering people and pets. Analogous to an aerosol, this radioactive mist can release alpha radiation into the lungs. Studies of laboratory animals and miners confirm that prolonged exposure to radon increases the potential for lung cancer. Scientists regard it as a Group A carcinogen. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. People concerned about their health and the resale value of their homes care about testing for radon and eliminating the presence of this radioactive gas. Schools and businesses are equally concerned. The U.S. Surgeon General and federal Environmental Protection Agency recommend that radon levels not exceed 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L).
Is radon common?
Four out of ten Colorado homes potentially contain unsafe levels of radon, according to the state's Department of Public Health & Environment. The state agency uses the federal government's guideline of 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L) as a safety standard. Colorado geology, which is laced with natural deposits of uranium and radium, is conducive to forming radon. Unsafe levels of this radioactive gas have been found in new as well as old buildings. Radon can enter any type of building through any type of foundation, including crawl spaces, basements and concrete slabs.
How do I know if I have radon?
The only way to know how much radon is in your home or office is to have the building tested. Techniques and equipment for detecting radon have improved significantly during the past 15 years. Buyers and sellers typically test for radon before a property changes ownership. Specialized measuring devices not only determine the presence of radon but also the potential exposure. Because radon rises, its concentrations are highest at the building's lowest levels. Consequently, testers assume that concentrations are lower at the building's upper levels. Exterior doors and windows are closed during the tests.
Tips for Homebuyers
Identify the house you plan to buy. Ask for a short-term radon test as part of the home inspection process. If the home inspector is not qualified to test for radon, ask for a certified radon measurement professional. If the results are less than 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L), no further action is necessary, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. If test results exceed 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L), consider asking the seller for a concession to pay for a mitigation system. Choose your own contractor because having the seller install a system can lead to real big problems. See our RADON DONTS page. Getting bids from contractors specializing in radon reduction can be a negotiating tool when buying a home.
How does one reduce or eliminate radon?
Reduction systems rely on fans to blow radon outdoors, far away enough from windows and doors so the potentially lethal gas can't reenter the building. Systems also rely on pipes that draw radon from the soil under the foundation. The gas is drawn to the fan, which ejects it outside the building. Depending on the type of foundation, the radon reduction system might have a sump lid connection or a high density plastic sheet.
How much does it cost to reduce radon?
Installation of a radon reduction system typically cost between $1,100 to $1,400, according to national averages. In Colorado, the cost of operating a system averages about $3 a month. Fans, which last about 11 years, cost between $225 and $350 to replace. Maintenance is virtually non existent.
How do I know whether I have a good radon reduction system?
Local building codes and the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Radon Mitigation Standards provide guidelines for safe, efficient and effective radon reduction systems. The point of discharge -- that is, where the radon is blown away from the building -- must be ten feet away from any opening, such as a window or door. The point of discharge must also be at least two feet higher than the closest opening. The point of discharge must be above the roof eaves' level. The point of discharge must be 10 feet above grade. The pipe may be installed inside or outside the home. Fans should not be installed inside the home or crawl space. They may be installed outside, in an attic or in a garage. New radon reduction systems must be tested two days to 30 days after installation. The building should be retested for radon every two years.
What else do I need to know?
Colorado regulations also include guidelines for disclosure about the existence of radon. The Colorado Seller's Property Disclosure Form contains information about environmental conditions and section F deals with radon. Because radon is considered a hazard, the seller must disclose the known existence or known past existence of radon. Disclosure is most especially required if the seller has previously tested for radon and/or has a radon reduction system. Even if past test results show radon levels to be less than 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L), this information must be disclosed. Copies of test results should be provided. Disclosing the existence of a radon reduction system is important, because it indicates that radon levels previously exceeded federal and state safety guidelines. If the system fails or falls into disrepair, radon levels likely would rise to unsafe levels.
Want more information?
CLICK HERE to download the EPA's Citizen's Guide to Radon.