Boulder County, CO has high levels of radon

Radon in Boulder County: What You Need to Know

Boulder County, Colorado, has a hidden problem lurking beneath its beautiful mountain landscapes and vibrant communities. Radon, an invisible and odorless radioactive gas, exists at concerningly high levels throughout the county. This article explains what radon is, why Boulder County has such high levels, the health risks involved, and what residents can do to protect themselves.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It's invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without proper testing. Radon typically enters homes through cracks in foundations, floor drains, sump pumps, and other openings in contact with the ground.

Boulder County's geology is the main reason for its high radon levels. The area sits on soil and rock formations that contain significant amounts of uranium. As this uranium naturally decays, it releases radon gas that can become trapped in buildings.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, approximately 50% of homes in Boulder County have radon levels above the EPA's action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This is significantly higher than the national average, making radon awareness particularly important for Boulder County residents.

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. The EPA estimates that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year nationwide.

When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lungs. Over time, this damage can lead to lung cancer. The risk is especially high for smokers, but non-smokers are at risk too.

Because radon is invisible and odorless, the only way to know if your home has elevated levels is to test for it. Fortunately, testing is simple and affordable.

Absolute Radon Safety, a trusted local company, offers professional radon testing services for Boulder County residents. Their certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to accurately measure radon levels in your home. They can also provide do-it-yourself test kits with professional analysis of results.

If testing reveals high radon levels in your home, don't panic. Effective mitigation systems can reduce radon to safe levels. These systems typically involve a process called sub-slab depressurization, which pulls radon from beneath the home and vents it outside before it can enter living spaces.

Absolute Radon Safety specializes in designing and installing customized radon mitigation systems for Boulder County homes. Their certified mitigation specialists can create solutions that effectively reduce radon while maintaining your home's appearance and energy efficiency.

If you live in Boulder County, testing your home for radon should be a priority. Absolute Radon Safety can help you through the entire process—from initial testing to mitigation installation if needed.

Remember, radon levels can vary greatly between neighboring homes, so even if your neighbor's home tested low, yours could still have elevated levels. The only way to know for sure is to test.

For more information or to schedule a radon test, contact Absolute Radon Safety today. Taking this simple step could protect you and your family from unnecessary health risks associated with this invisible threat.