Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium found in soils, rock, and water. Because radon is odorless and invisible, the only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test.
Radon seeps through the soil, and moves into the air and into homes through cracks and small openings in foundations. Homes trap radon in living spaces, where it may build up to dangerous levels.
Over 40 percent all the homes tested between 2005-2021 in El Paso County had high levels of radon. Radon levels vary greatly from home to home. El Paso County and the state of Colorado are in "Zone 1" according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means the state and county have a potential for high radon levels.
We encourage people to check the radon levels in their homes. The American Lung Association recommends that all homes be tested for radon. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation.
If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
- Learn more about radon by watching this video presentation, “Radon: The Invisible Killer.”
- See a map of radon in Colorado here
- Learn more about radon, testing, and mitigation here
Testing
Radon testing is now available from the Colorado Springs Radon Measurement Lab, located at El Paso County Public Health.
- Tests can be picked up and dropped at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road.
- For pricing and instructions visit the Colorado Springs Radon Measurement Lab website: www.radmlab.com
Hours of operation: 7:30-a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone number: (719) 575-8484
Email: [email protected]
Other options for radon testing:
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has information about discounted test kits available here or visit the National Radon Program Services to order a kit, or reach out to the Colorado Springs Radon Measurement Lab at 719-575-8484 for information about purchasing a radon test kit.
- Buy a test kit online or at a local home improvement store. Be sure the kit says "certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program." When used properly, these kits provide results as accurate as those done by a contractor.
Mitigation
Radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99 percent. Radon reduction systems require knowledge and special skills to design.
Hire a contractor who is specifically trained in radon reduction.
You can contact the Colorado Radon Office at (800) 846-3986 for names of qualified or state certified contractors. You can also access Colorado Department of Public Health's information of certified contractors here.
How To
There are several proven ways to reduce radon in your home. The vent pipe system and fan is the most used. This method pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. A mitigation system in Colorado usually costs about $1,000-$2,000 unless difficult design problems are encountered.
Radon contractors can use other methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors.
The CDPHE Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance program provides financial assistance for mitigating radon in Colorado homes for qualified applicants.
New Homes
New homes can be built with radon reduction features. Installing these at the time of construction is easier and less expensive than modifying older homes.
If you are buying or selling a home, the buyer may request radon test results. If you are selling a home, and you know the home has radon, or had radon in the past, you must provide this information in the Colorado Seller's Property Disclosure form.
If you are a renter, you can find out if the building you live in has been tested for radon. If your building has not been tested for radon, ask the owner to test, or test your own apartment or house.
If your test shows high radon levels, notify the building owner of the test results. Discuss the need for additional testing and repairs.
Landlords in Colorado are not required to test for radon or to mitigate for high radon levels.