Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction in Fort Collins, CO

11/17/2023

Radon is a silent and invisible threat that can seep into homes, posing serious health risks. In Fort Collins, where radon levels are particularly high due to the area's geology, it's crucial to be aware of this issue. The city falls within EPA Zone 1, which indicates a high potential for elevated radon levels. About half of all homes tested in Fort Collins have radon levels exceeding the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.

Understanding why radon is dangerous, how it enters your homes, and the risks it poses is important. Testing for radon and implementing effective reduction methods are key to ensuring safety.

Taking proactive steps can help protect home and health from the dangers of radon.

Let’s first understand what radon is and why it’s dangerous

What Is Radon Gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the decay of uranium in the soil and rocks beneath our homes. It has no color, odor, or taste, making it invisible to our senses. Radon is a noble gas, which means it doesn't readily react with other substances, allowing it to infiltrate our living spaces silently.

Radon is found all over the world, and its concentration can vary significantly depending on geographic location. It can be present in both indoor and outdoor air. However, the indoor levels concern us the most, as prolonged exposure to high concentrations of radon can have severe health consequences.

Why Is Radon Dangerous?

Radon is hazardous primarily due to its radioactive nature. When radon gas is inhaled, it undergoes radioactive decay in our lungs. It releases tiny radioactive particles known as radon daughters or radon progeny during this process. These particles can damage the cells lining our lungs, increasing the risk of lung cancer.

According to EPA estimates, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. It is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year

Therefore, understanding how radon enters your home and taking steps to reduce its levels is of utmost importance.

How Does Radon Get into Your Home?

Resources: https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2645

Radon can find its way into your home through various pathways. Understanding these entry points is crucial for effective radon mitigation. Here are some common ways radon infiltrates homes:

Soil and Foundation Cracks

One of the most common entry points for radon is through cracks and openings in your home's foundation. Radon can easily seep through the soil and enter your living space through these gaps.

Well Water

Radon can also enter through the water supply if your home relies on well water. When radon-contaminated water is used for activities like showering, cooking, or doing laundry, it releases radon gas into the air.

Building Materials

Certain building materials, like concrete blocks or stone, can contain natural uranium, which can release radon gas over time. This can contribute to elevated indoor radon levels.

Crawlspaces

Homes with crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to radon infiltration. Radon can accumulate in these confined spaces and then enter the living areas through openings and cracks in the floor.

Sump Pumps

Homes with sump pumps can inadvertently draw radon gas indoors without proper precautions. The suction created by the sump pump can pull radon from the ground into the home.

Now that we've explored how radon can enter your home, let's discuss the risks associated with living in a radon-contaminated environment.

The Risk of Living with Radon

Living in a home with elevated radon levels poses significant health risks, particularly to your respiratory system.

Here are some of the dangers associated with radon exposure:

Increased Lung Cancer Risk: As mentioned earlier, radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon significantly increases your risk of developing this deadly disease.

Greater Risk for Smokers: If you smoke and are exposed to radon, your risk of developing lung cancer is even higher. The combination of smoking and radon exposure is particularly lethal.

Symptoms May Not Be Immediate: Unlike many other health hazards, radon exposure doesn't cause immediate symptoms. This makes it even more insidious, as you may be unaware of the danger until it's too late.

Elevated Risk for Children: Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of radon due to their rapidly developing respiratory systems. Long-term exposure during childhood can have severe consequences.

Now that you understand radon's dangers let's move on to a critical step in protecting your home and health: how to test for radon.

How to Test Your Home

Testing your home for radon is a crucial first step in identifying and addressing any radon-related issues. Before implementing any radon reduction methods, it's essential to test your home for radon levels. Testing helps determine the concentration of radon gas and identifies whether remediation is necessary. Testing for radon is the only way to determine if your home has elevated radon levels. It's a proactive measure that can ultimately save lives by identifying and mitigating radon exposure.

There are several important aspects to consider when testing for radon:

Types of Radon Tests

Short-Term Tests - Short-term tests typically last from 2 to 7 days and provide a snapshot of radon levels in your home. They are a quick way to assess radon concentrations but may not reflect long-term exposure accurately.
Long-Term Tests - Long-term tests, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive view of radon levels. They are conducted for a minimum of 90 days and offer a better understanding of seasonal variations in radon concentration.

Interpreting Test Results

Once you've conducted radon testing, you'll receive results in the form of a measurement in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an action level of 4 pCi/L. If your test results exceed this level, reducing radon levels in your home is essential.

How to Lower the Radon Level in Your Home

Now that you've tested your home and found elevated radon levels, it's crucial to take action to reduce them. Radon reduction can be complex, but it's essential for safeguarding your health. Here are the steps involved:

Effective Radon Reduction Methods

Effective radon reduction methods can significantly decrease the levels of this hazardous gas in your home. Several radon reduction methods are available, including:

Sub-Slab Depressurization is one of the most effective radon reduction methods. This technique involves installing a suction system beneath the floor slab to prevent radon from entering the home. The system includes a PVC pipe, a fan, and a vent pipe that exhausts radon gas outside. By reducing the pressure beneath the slab, the system prevents radon from being drawn into the home.
Active Soil Depressurization Active soil depressurization (ASD) is similar to sub-slab depressurization but can also be used for homes with crawl spaces or other types of foundations. ASD systems use a fan to create negative pressure in the soil beneath the home, drawing radon away from the foundation and venting it outside.
Sealing Cracks and Openings: Another approach is to seal any cracks or openings in your home's foundation to prevent radon infiltration. This method is often used in conjunction with soil depressurization. Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, and floors is a supplementary radon reduction method. While sealing alone may not be sufficient to lower radon levels significantly, it can enhance the effectiveness of other radon reduction techniques.
Ventilation Systems: Increasing ventilation in your home can help dilute radon levels. While ventilation systems alone may not be sufficient for significant radon reduction, they can be used in conjunction with other methods.

Hiring a Professional or Radon Contractor

While some radon reduction measures can be DIY projects, hiring a professional radon mitigation service is often best. Here's why:

Benefits of Professional Radon Mitigation Services

Expertise: Radon professionals have the knowledge and experience to assess your home's needs and apply the most effective mitigation techniques.
Proper Equipment: They have access to specialized equipment required for radon reduction, ensuring a thorough job.
Compliance: Professionals are well-versed in local regulations and EPA guidelines, ensuring your mitigation project meets all necessary standards.

How to Choose a Qualified Radon Mitigation Contractor

When selecting a radon mitigation contractor, consider the following:

Certification: Ensure the contractor is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).

References: Ask for references and check reviews from previous clients.
Quotes: Get multiple quotes and compare them to ensure you're getting a fair price for the services offered.

EPA Guidelines

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides comprehensive guidelines for radon reduction. These guidelines outline the recommended techniques and standards to ensure effective mitigation. Following these guidelines is essential to protect your home and healthfully.

Summary of EPA Radon Reduction Guidelines

Conduct radon testing to determine the initial radon levels.
If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, implement radon reduction measures.
Choose a qualified radon mitigation contractor.
Monitor radon levels after mitigation to ensure effectiveness.

Conclusion

Radon gas is a silent but deadly threat that can infiltrate your home and jeopardize your health. Understanding how radon enters your home, the risks associated with exposure, and the importance of testing and mitigation is essential for safeguarding your family.

By following EPA guidelines and enlisting the help of a qualified radon mitigation contractor, you can significantly reduce radon levels in your home, mitigating the associated health risks. Don't wait until it's too late—take action now to protect your home and health from the dangers of radon.