Direct (303) 791-6400
Fax (303) 470-6174
Radon Gas
Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas created from natural deposits of uranium and radium in the soil. Radon gas can be drawn into a building and accumulate to concentrations that can increase the potential for contracting lung cancer.
What happens if high levels are found? Even the highest levels can be reduced to safe levels using relatively inexpensive, proven methods of mitigation. Nationally, the cost to have a house professionally mitigated is usually between $800 and $2500, with the average cost being $1200. What is the Health Risk? The National Academy of Sciences released a report in 1998 (the BEIR VI report) which estimates that radon causes between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Furthermore, the report concluded that 12 percent of all lung cancer deaths are linked to radon, and that after smoking radon is the second leading cause of death due to lung cancer in the US. Could there be Radon in your Home? Elevated levels have been found in every state in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that nearly one out of every 15 homes has elevated radon levels. In Colorado, it is estimated that four out of every 10 homes have the potential for elevated Radon levels. While certain areas may have generally higher levels than others, even the house next door may have vastly different levels than your house. The only accurate way to know is to test each home. What do Health Experts Recommend? The EPA, the Surgeon General of the United States, and the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment recommend that every home should be tested for radon. Home buyers should have a short term (48 hour) test performed as part of the home inspection if no previously conducted radon report is available.