What Is Radon and Why It Matters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes through foundation cracks, gaps in construction, or soil contact. It's colorless and odorless, so testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated levels.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Long-term exposure to elevated radon increases health risk, particularly for children and smokers. Testing is inexpensive and straightforward; remediation is highly effective.
Colorado's Radon Risk
Colorado's high elevation, geological composition, and many homes built on or near uranium-bearing soils create elevated radon risk across much of the state. The EPA estimates that a significant percentage of Colorado homes have radon levels above the recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Whether you're in Denver, the mountains, or rural areas, radon testing is recommended. It's particularly important for buyers evaluating a new property and for current homeowners establishing baseline conditions.
How Radon Testing Works
We place specialized detectors in your home's lowest lived-in level (usually the basement) for 48 hours to measure radon concentration. The test must follow EPA protocols — no doors or windows open, normal household ventilation.
After the exposure period, we send the detector to a laboratory for analysis. Results typically arrive within a few days, clearly indicating whether radon levels are below or above the EPA action level.
What to Do About Results
If testing shows levels below 4 pCi/L, no action is needed. If levels are at or above 4 pCi/L, radon mitigation is recommended. Mitigation typically involves installing a radon reduction system — usually a venting pipe and fan that draws radon from beneath the foundation and releases it safely outdoors.
Most radon reduction systems are reasonably priced and highly effective, reducing radon levels by 50–99 percent. Once installed, periodic testing confirms the system's effectiveness. For buyers, radon reduction can be negotiated as a buyer credit or seller responsibility.