Radon gas is a serious health concern that many homeowners don't think about until it's too late. However, according to an article in The Daily Sentinel of Grand Junction, Colorado, taking proactive steps to test for and reduce radon levels in your home can significantly lower your risk of lung cancer and other health problems.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It comes from the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil beneath homes. As The Daily Sentinel explains, "Bedrock and its soils can contain minerals that release radon." In Colorado, the Grand Valley also has uranium mill tailings that add to radon sources. Once radon enters a home through cracks in the foundation or other openings, it can become trapped inside without proper ventilation or a mitigation system.
Why Is Radon Dangerous?
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) reports that radon can be found at elevated levels in half of all Colorado homes. This is particularly concerning because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States, right after cigarette smoking. In Colorado alone, radon claims more than 500 lives each year, according to CDPHE data cited by The Daily Sentinel.
Even low levels of radon are dangerous. As the article notes, "Breathing radon exposes lung cells to small bursts of energy as radon breaks down. Over many years this can raise lung cancer risk, especially for smokers." This means that any amount of radon exposure increases your risk, whether you're working in an underground mine or simply living in your home.
Testing Your Home
The good news is that testing for radon is simple and accessible. The Daily Sentinel highlights a program by Citizens for Clean Air (CCA) that lends radon meters to Grand Valley residents. These easy-to-use devices measure radon levels over a period of up to three weeks. According to the article, about half of the 20 homes tested so far showed readings at or above the EPA's recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
One volunteer who tested their home shared: "We appreciated using the radon meter for free to test our home... All of the readings were at 4 or slightly higher, which was concerning. We are cracking windows in our basement to help but may investigate mitigation."
Taking Action
If your home's radon levels are at 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce the concentration, especially in areas where you and your family spend the most time. Simple steps like opening windows can help, but professional mitigation is often necessary for long-term safety.
For homeowners in the Denver Metro area and throughout Colorado, Absolute Radon Safety is a trusted company that specializes in radon testing and mitigation. Their experienced team can assess your home's radon levels and install systems to keep your family safe.
The Bottom Line
As The Daily Sentinel emphasizes, now is an excellent time to test your home for radon, especially during colder months when closed windows and doors can trap the gas inside. Don't wait until it's too late—proactive measures today can protect your family's health for years to come. Contact Absolute Radon Safety to schedule your radon test and take the first step toward a safer home.
