Radon in Colorado is a Serious Health Concern
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is given off as a natural byproduct from the breakdown of certain minerals and elements in rock. Uranium and radium are two that are abundant in Colorado’s mineral rich soils, but other stone such as granite and shale can harbor significant quantities as well. Radon gas works its way to the surface and if unimpeded mixes into the ambient air with no negative effect, as the air we breathe has small traces of radon gas, and radioactive particles in it. The challenge is when radon gas finds a place to reach the surface easier and/or gather in a place where there is little to no airflow.
Radon is denser than many gases and tends to hang around when not pushed into the air column by the breeze. Radon can penetrate stone, concrete, block and brick, and most construction, and it will pool in crawl spaces, under your slab, in walls and subflooring where there is no air movement. About 75% of it will eventually break down and morph into lead, but the other 25% breaks down into numerous burst of energized radioactive particles that we breathe in with the air heavy from radon gas that has seeped in through holes, cracks, seams, floor boards, anywhere it can invade.
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Is There An Issue With Radon Colorado Springs? The Answer is Yes.
Colorado has some of the highest concentrations of radon gas showing up in homes that have been tested of any state in the nation. Most of the state has been designated “Zone 1” or the highest concentrations found. Of those tested, the Environmental Protection Agency says 39% registered at or above the federal acceptable radiation levels of 4 pCi/L concentration. It is estimated by the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that radon gas Colorado Springs and the surrounding area probably encounters ranges over 70% of all homes, with 52% at dangerous levels.
The problem with radon gas exposure over long periods of time is radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. The only worse cause is smoking, and if a smoker resides in the home where the radon levels are high, the chances of contracting lung cancer are hundreds of times normal risk factors. Over 21,000 people die from radon gas induced lung cancer in America every year. While it usually takes 5 – 15 years for the damage to turn into full-blown cancer, the damage is irreversible once radiation has damaged the human cell structures and caused mutations by releasing alpha radiation particles into the body.
Does It Work? Radon Mitigation Colorado
Fortunately there are steps that can be taken in Colorado and elsewhere to mitigate and deal with radon gas. Radon can pass through a slab, concrete, directly up through the ground, and your neighbor’s house testing as ok does not mean yours is safe. Correct testing and taking steps to ventilate, soil suction, and have other removal methods installed in your home or business is the only way to deal with radon. Opening windows might help, but it will not stop nor adequately correct the problem.
Areas that are most often affected in homes are basements, rooms over concrete slabs and rooms over crawl spaces. This is because of radon’s seepage nature and density, causing it to collect and pool where there is little to no airflow.
Quality Radon Testing Colorado Springs CO
There are home based radon tests that can be purchased online or in big box stores. Radon kits have a shelf life for effectiveness, but sadly most of the kits do not carry a “good until” date on the packaging. Radon testing is not as simple as it might seem, and incorrect methods of during testing including where you place the test kit from the floor, how the air flow is, was it in line with any venting, was there any severe storm activity going on, and the season all affect how a test will register. Once the sample is mailed in you then wait for the results. Results can easily be misleading and incorrect in a home kit. You need to repeat the process with a second kit to gain any veracity in the data, and should use a different kit batch when you do.
To really get an accurate answer for the radon gas concentration in your home, you should have a professional radon mitigation company do the testing. Most companies do what is termed long-term testing, meaning exposure of the test covers usually 90 days or more. This gives an accurate idea of the actual conditions in the home and accounts for seasonal changes, anomalies caused by weather patterns, and other issues. A professional radon contractor has been trained in how to set up the test and what factors need to be adjusted for to assure the best results possible.
Colorado radon mitigation is taken seriously by our state and there are strict guidelines and certification requirements to become a certified radon testing and mitigation specialist. Certified Radon Mitigation Pros in Colorado Springs is the most respected radon mitigation company in the region. With years of experience, they keep up on the most current research and methods to deal with radon gas. Radon mitigation is not overly expensive compared to most home repairs, and once done, it is very effective on bringing radon gas levels down to safe thresholds, protecting your family from future health challenges. It is often cheaper to hire a pro to get results from an accurate long-term test than messing with multiple quick tests that do not provide as accurate or consistent numbers.
Volatile organic compounds are produced and used in the manufacture of fuels, paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. VOC’s are also present in industrial solvents, paint thinners, tetrachorethene (TCE, which is dry cleaning fluid), fuel, oxygenates (MTBE), or chlorination in water treatment systems.
When these contaminants are present in the soil there is potential for vapor migration through the surface soils into surrounding buildings, thus potentially impacting the indoor air quality and posing a health risk to the building inhabitants. This exposure is receiving increased attention by regulators, in many states and represents a significant liability risk for building owners in an evolving regulatory climate.
Unlike radon gas, which occurs naturally, the hazardous elements mentioned above are man made. They enter the soil because of accidents or industrial activities. When buildings are constructed near or on top of contaminated soil, there’s a risk of hazardous vapor intrusion.
If you’re concerned about vapor intrusion, Certified Radon Mitigation Pros can help! If you would like to learn more about how we can provide you with quality vapor intrusion testing and mitigation. Contact us today!
The Best Radon Mitigation Colorado Springs
If radon gas levels are found to be elevated in your home or business, a professional radon mitigation system Colorado knows will handle the problem can be designed and installed by a trained, experienced radon mitigation company like Certified Radon Mitigation Pros. Every structure is a bit different as to what will work best to take care of the radon gas seepage. Often it will involve ground sheeting and installing low wattage ventilation fans to draw the gas out, and a venting system run to your roof line to distribute the radon gas into the air column. Slab cracks are recommended for sealing, and at times the radon gas issues may require additional sealing between walls, floors, and ceilings at joints. Spaces around plumbing and electrical outlets may need closed off. A professional mitigation company will do a thorough inspection of your home to determine exactly what needs to be done, how the negative or positive air pressure adjustment needs to your HVAC system (and possibly requiring checking ductwork and intakes), and other measures needed to correct the situation.
If your home’s water supply comes from a public system, the EPA has required testing of all public water supplies since 2003. If you are on a well in Colorado, however, it is strongly advised if your radon levels are high in the home to have your water tested. Radon gas can impregnate water, and when showers are taken and water is aerated through faucets the gas can be released. Radon gas in well water can be treated with activated charcoal and aeration methods. Talk to the experts at Certified Radon Mitigation Pros to get advice and a free estimate on dealing with the need to clear radon out of your well water.
The most common solution is to install systems often used to reduce naturally occurring radon that seeps into homes in some geographic areas. These systems, called radon mitigation systems, remove soil vapors from below basements or foundations before they enter homes.
When You Need Radon Testing Colorado Springs, Call The Best
Radon mitigation Colorado Springs costs are reasonable if done by the right professionals. Since every structure varies, and you want an accurate test before hand to see if you even need mitigation, call the company most respected in the Pikes Peak region to come give you a free estimate – Certified Radon Mitigation Pros. We are locally owned and operated, and are fully licensed and certified by the State of Colorado. We have been doing radon mitigation for a long time and we take safety seriously. The safety of your family and their long-term health is important. We know that needing radon mitigation done on your property is concerning, as well as an expense you may not have planned on at this time. Call us or send in our convenient online form and we will contact you to set up a free consultation on what it would cost for accurate testing and what would be needed to mitigate a radon problem on your property. All our fees are very reasonable.
Homeowners in Colorado Springs – El Paso and the surrounding counties know that home shoppers are increasingly asking about radon testing and mitigation when looking to buy. Good quality mitigation and test results that can be shown are a positive selling point for real estate in Colorado. Having those results compiled by a qualified company that knows exactly what they are doing and how to correctly fix a problem adds credibility. Be sure to check your roofs too for gasses being trapped we recommend https://www.rooftroop.com/ to come out and inspect your roof for damages after a storm or improperly installed roofs that could be presenting a health risk to your family.
It is not worth taking changes with your health or that of your family. Children and pets due to their smaller constitutions are less able to tolerate the long-term exposure to radon gas than adults. We know you want to protect your family, and have peace of mind that the solution truly is a solution and not just a patch or quick fix. Call Certified Radon Mitigation Pros in Colorado Springs for a free estimate on testing and mitigating your radon gas issues for peace of mind and increased health.