January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the invisible, odorless gas that could be affecting your Colorado home—radon. As one of the leading causes of lung cancer among non-smokers, it’s critical to take steps now to safeguard your family. With colder weather in Colorado, homes are often sealed tight, making it the perfect time to test for radon. Here’s how you can act this month to ensure your home is a safer place to live.

Understanding Radon: The Unseen Danger in Your Home

Radon forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. This radioactive gas enters homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, or other openings. It’s a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, making awareness essential—especially during Radon Action Month.

Understanding Radon: The Unseen Danger in Your Home

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. In Colorado, where the geology can make homes more susceptible, radon can enter through cracks in your foundation, gaps around pipes, or other openings. This colorless, odorless gas poses serious health risks, especially for families who may be unaware of its presence.

Identifying Radon Levels in Your Home

How to Test for Radon: DIY vs. Professional Testing

The first step is testing your home for radon. In Colorado, testing during winter is particularly important, as homes are often closed off, which can lead to elevated radon levels. You can choose from affordable DIY kits or opt for professional testing to get a more accurate reading. Place your radon test kit in the lowest level of your home—typically the basement or crawl space—where radon levels are often highest.

Interpreting Test Results and Safe Levels

Once you’ve tested, compare the results with the EPA’s guidelines. If your radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, it’s time to take action. Radon Action Month is an ideal time to address this issue and make your home safer.

Effective Strategies to Minimize Radon Exposure

Implementing Radon Mitigation Systems

Radon mitigation is a proactive way to reduce radon exposure. In Colorado, systems like sub-slab depressurization work by venting radon gas from beneath the house and directing it outside. While the cost of these systems can vary depending on your home’s size and design, they are a long-term investment in your health. National Radon Action Month serves as an excellent opportunity to explore this option.

Home Improvement Techniques to Reduce Radon Levels

Sealing cracks in your foundation and improving ventilation are simple yet effective ways to lower radon levels. In areas like Colorado, where homes may be prone to radon, these improvements can significantly reduce exposure, particularly in basements or crawl spaces.

Planning for New Construction: Building Radon-Resistant Homes

Building a new home? This is the ideal time to implement radon-resistant construction methods. In Colorado, homes built with features like gas-permeable layers, plastic sheeting, and sealed sump pits can prevent radon infiltration from the start. Be sure to discuss these options with your builder during National Radon Action Month to keep your new home safe from radon from the ground up.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Radon

Myths vs. Facts

A common misconception is that radon is only a concern in older homes. In reality, radon can affect homes of any age, size, or location, including those in Colorado, where the natural geological conditions can increase the likelihood of radon infiltration. Another myth is that radon levels remain the same over time. In fact, radon levels can fluctuate, so regular testing is important.

The Role of Smoking and Radon Exposure

Radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, and the danger is even greater for smokers. However, non-smokers are still at significant risk. This highlights the importance of reducing radon exposure through mitigation, especially for families in Colorado, where high radon levels are not uncommon.

Resources for Homeowners: Staying Informed and Safe

For Colorado homeowners, the EPA and local radon professionals are valuable resources for information. During National Radon Action Month, many mitigation companies offer discounts or host special events, making it the perfect time to learn more and take action.

Taking Action: Creating a Radon Safety Plan for Your Family

This January, take time to educate your family about radon and incorporate radon safety into your home’s maintenance routine. Schedule regular tests, and if high radon levels are detected, act quickly. Radon Action Month is a great reminder to update your family’s safety plan and ensure that your home is protected from this invisible threat.

FAQs About Radon and Home Safety

How Often Should You Test for Radon?
It’s recommended to test your home every two years or after any significant structural changes. National Radon Action Month is a timely reminder to check your home for radon.

What to Do if High Radon Levels Are Detected?
If your radon test results are above the EPA’s recommended level, contact a certified radon mitigation professional to discuss your options.

Can Radon Be Completely Eliminated?
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate radon, mitigation systems can significantly reduce radon levels to safe limits.

Final Thoughts

National Radon Action Month is the perfect time for Colorado homeowners to take charge of their health. By testing regularly, exploring mitigation options, and being proactive, you can create a safer living environment for your family. Start today—because peace of mind is priceless.