Where is radon in Colorado?
Additionally, Colorado’s deep wells have been found to contain high levels of dissolved radon, contributing slightly to an elevated air level, but also increasing the possibility of stomach cancer from ingestion of contaminated water.
Do all homes in Colorado have radon?
Radon in Colorado ​High radon levels have been found in all 50 states and in all parts of Colorado. In Colorado, about half the homes have radon levels higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L): Colorado radon zones. Map of radon zones fact sheet.
Does Colorado have high levels of radon?
Radon levels are high in Colorado Data collected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ( CDPHE ) indicates that approximately 50% of homes in Colorado have radon levels higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air ( pCi/L ).
How common is radon in Colorado homes?
Nearly 73% (that is every 3 out of 4 homes) of all homes in Colorado have high levels of the gas. The EPA recommended action level is 4 pCi (picocuries) of radon per one liter of air, meaning that any level higher than that requires mitigation. As said earlier, radon is naturally occurring.
Why do Colorado homes have radon?
Radon affects 50 percent of Colorado homes “It’s largely because radon is a byproduct of the decay of uranium and it exists in our soil everywhere because we live in a highly mineralized state,” said Warren Smith, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
How bad is radon in Colorado?
Colorado Ranks 7th Highest in Radon Levels These gases can seep into a home through foundation cracks, utility hookups, and sump pits. Once the gas finds its way into your home, it can build into a concentration that can be harmful to your health with long-term exposure.
Is radon bad in Colorado?
Is radon common in Denver?
Approximately 50% of homes in Colorado have elevated radon levels. The EPA has ranked Denver as “Zone 1,” which means the average house will likely exceed the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
Why is there so much radon in Colorado?
Different soils have different concentrations of uranium, but the mineral makeup of Colorado’s soil is particularly uranium-dense. The occurrence of radon gas is so high in almost every county across the state that nearly half of all Colorado homes are projected to have elevated levels of radon.
Does Colorado require radon mitigation?
Only one of the fastest growing counties in Colorado requires new homes to be built with a system to mitigate a cancer causing gas. There are no state laws requiring a radon test, and it’s not included in a standard house inspection.