Radon testing is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your home and family in Edwards, CO.
As a naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon can seep into homes undetected, posing serious health risks to those exposed to high levels over time.
Photo of a radon test kit in a home setting
We’ll explore the importance of radon testing, the most effective testing methods for homes in Edwards, and the steps you should take if your radon levels are found to be high.
Understanding the Importance of Radon Testing in Edwards, CO
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater.
As radon decays, it emits harmful radiation that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time.
In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, responsible for about 21,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
In Edwards and the surrounding areas of Colorado, radon levels tend to be higher due to the local geology and soil composition.
The Rocky Mountains and nearby uranium deposits contribute to elevated radon concentrations in the region.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of CO homes above 4 pCi/L | ~50% |
| Radon-related lung cancer deaths in U.S. annually | ~21,000 |
| EPA recommended action level | 4 pCi/L |
Given these regional factors, it’s especially important for homeowners in Edwards to test their homes for radon and take steps to mitigate high levels.
Without testing, you won’t know if you and your family are at risk.
Identifying the Most Effective Radon Testing Methods for Homes in Edwards, CO
There are two main types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests.
Short-term tests are the quickest way to assess your radon levels, with results in as little as 48 hours.
These tests include:
- Charcoal canister tests
- Alpha track detectors
- Charcoal liquid scintillation devices
- Electret ion chambers
While convenient, short-term tests can be affected by weather and may not reflect your home’s year-round average radon level.
Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days and provide a more accurate picture of your average radon exposure.
Common long-term tests are:
- Alpha track detectors
- Electret ion chambers
For the most reliable results, consider conducting a short-term test first, followed by a long-term test to confirm the results.
You can perform radon testing yourself with a DIY kit or hire a certified radon testing professional.
| Testing Method | Duration | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term tests | 2-90 days | Quick results, convenient | May not reflect annual average |
| Long-term tests | 90+ days | More accurate annual average | Takes longer for results |
| Professional testing | Varies | Expertise, reliable results | More expensive |
If you opt for DIY testing, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and place the device in the lowest occupied level of your home.
Avoid placing it in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other humid areas that could skew the results.
Recognizing the Potential Health Risks Associated with High Radon Levels in Edwards, CO
Exposure to high levels of radon over time significantly increases your risk of developing lung cancer.
As you breathe in radon gas, the radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs and damage the tissue.
Smoking combined with radon exposure enhances the risk even more.
Some signs that could indicate high radon levels in your home include:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Recurring respiratory infections
However, radon exposure often presents no clear symptoms, making testing all the more critical.
The EPA estimates that a radon level of 4 pCi/L poses about the same risk as smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day.
For non-smokers, it’s about 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash.
| Radon Level (pCi/L) | Lung Cancer Risk (Smokers) | Lung Cancer Risk (Non-Smokers) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 pCi/L | About 5 in 1,000 | About 7 in 10,000 |
| 10 pCi/L | About 12 in 1,000 | About 18 in 10,000 |
| 20 pCi/L | About 26 in 1,000 | About 36 in 10,000 |
If you’ve tested your home in Edwards and found high radon levels, don’t panic.
There are proven methods to reduce radon and protect your health.
Steps to Take if Your Radon Levels Are High in Edwards, CO
The EPA recommends taking action to mitigate radon if your test results are 4 pCi/L or higher.
The higher the level, the sooner you should act.
Some immediate steps you can take include:
- Ventilate your home by opening windows and using fans to circulate air
- Seal cracks and gaps in floors and walls to reduce radon entry points
- Spend less time in the lowest level of your home until mitigation
For a long-term solution, consider hiring a certified radon mitigation contractor to design and install a radon reduction system.
The most common type is an active sub-slab depressurization system, which uses a fan and vent pipe to draw radon from beneath your home and exhaust it outside.
Professional mitigation can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.
| Mitigation Method | Avg. Radon Reduction | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-slab depressurization (active) | Up to 99% | $800 – $2,500 |
| Sub-slab depressurization (passive) | Up to 50% | $500 – $1,500 |
| Sealing/caulking alone | Variable results | $100 – $600 |
Photo of a radon mitigation system installation
Before hiring a mitigation professional, verify their certification and get quotes from several contractors.
In Colorado, radon mitigation contractors must be certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Why We Think Radon Testing Is Crucial for Edwards, CO Homeowners
Living in the mountains of Colorado offers stunning views and endless outdoor adventures, but it also comes with an increased risk of radon exposure.
By testing your home and addressing high radon levels, you can have peace of mind and breathe easier.
Remember, there’s no safe level of radon exposure.
Even if your initial test shows levels below 4 pCi/L, consider retesting every few years or after any major home renovations that could affect radon entry.
Your family’s health is worth the proactive approach.
FAQs
What is radon and why is it a concern in Edwards, CO?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil and rocks. In Edwards and much of Colorado, local geology leads to higher than average radon concentrations, making testing crucial.
How do I know if my home in Edwards, CO needs radon testing?
The only way to know your radon level is to test. All homes in Edwards should be tested, regardless of age or foundation type, as radon can seep in through cracks and gaps. Testing every few years is recommended.
What are the best methods for radon testing in Edwards, CO homes?
Both short-term and long-term testing methods can assess your radon levels. For the most comprehensive results, start with a short-term test followed by a long-term test to gauge your annual average. Consider hiring a certified professional for the most reliable results.
How can high radon levels affect my health and my family’s health?
Exposure to high radon levels over time greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The higher the radon level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.
What steps should I take if my radon levels are high in Edwards, CO?
If your radon test shows levels at or above 4 pCi/L, hire a certified radon mitigation professional to assess your home and recommend the best radon reduction system for your situation. Solutions like sub-slab depressurization systems can reduce radon by up to 99%.
