You should mitigate your home if you are over 2 pCi/L on a yearly annual basis.
The U.S. national goal for indoor radon levels aims high: to make the air within buildings as radon-free as the air outdoors. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is found in ambient outdoor air at around 0.4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). However, indoor levels can be much higher due to radon entering buildings through foundations and other openings. In Colorado, the average indoor radon level is over 6 pCi/L—well above this outdoor level. This blog will explain why the U.S. has set this ambitious goal, backed by legislative efforts, and why it matters to every homeowner and realtor, especially in high-radon areas like Colorado.
Why Aim for Ambient Outdoor Levels Indoors? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established that keeping indoor air radon levels as low as possible is vital for health. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and contributes to around 21,000 deaths each year. While outdoor levels are generally low and dissipate quickly, indoor levels tend to accumulate, creating a risk for people in their homes and workplaces. The national target of matching indoor air quality with outdoor levels represents the safest possible standard to minimize radon exposure risks.
Colorado’s Elevated Radon Levels: A Key Concern Colorado's geology naturally produces high radon emissions. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), over 50% of homes in Colorado have indoor radon levels exceeding 4 pCi/L, with the average often exceeding 6 pCi/L. Given that the EPA’s action level is 4 pCi/L—above which mitigation is strongly recommended—Colorado homeowners and realtors have a unique responsibility to address radon risks through regular testing and mitigation.
Historical and Legislative Background Supporting the U.S. Goal: The U.S. Code, specifically Title 15, underscores the importance of reducing radon exposure nationwide, mandating initiatives aimed at maintaining indoor air quality that mirrors outdoor ambient conditions. These regulations were introduced following scientific research in the late 20th century, which firmly established the connection between radon exposure and lung cancer.
How Colorado Homeowners and Realtors Can Contribute:
Regular Testing: Given Colorado's higher-than-average radon levels, regular testing is essential. Test kits are affordable, available at most hardware stores, and easy to use.
Effective Mitigation: Homes with radon levels above 2 pCi/L should consider mitigation systems to bring levels closer to the national target.
Buyer Education: Realtors can help promote radon safety by educating buyers about radon risks and encouraging testing, especially in high-radon zones.
The U.S. goal of keeping indoor radon levels as low as the ambient outdoor air may seem ambitious, but it reflects a commitment to public health. In high-radon states like Colorado, reaching this goal is challenging yet achievable through awareness, testing, and mitigation. By taking action, we can protect our homes and families and make meaningful strides toward safer indoor air. Call us today for a free estimate to mitigate your home.
