What is Radon?
Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon is a radioactive gas and silent intruder in about half of Colorado homes, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health. Produced from uranium and radium in the soil, it can leak into homes through the foundation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that levels above 4 picocuries per Liter of air (pCi/L) should be mitigated although levels below should still be tested for and potentially reduced. High radon levels can cause lung cancer with prolonged exposure.
Radon and Real Estate
When buying real estate, part of your due diligence is to have the home inspection include radon testing. We strongly recommend testing because of the common occurrences of high radon found in every state and the exposure level differences even a few houses apart. If sellers are aware of the issue, it must be reported in the Seller’s Property Disclosure. When building a home, simple yet effective radon-resistant features are recommended including a gas permeable layer, plastic sheeting - also called a vapor barrier, sealing and caulking, vent pipe, and an exterior fan.
Local Radon Experts
Adaptive Solutions, owned and run by Jason Meininger here in Durango, CO, set out to reduce radon exposure in homes by providing information, testing radon levels, and mitigating as unobtrusively as possible. Nationally Certified, Adaptive Solutions follows EPA protocols and National Radon Proficiency Programs’ best management practices. Using the industry’s top Continuous Radon Monitor which runs a 48 hour test, you will receive results and next step recommendations in about three days. Then, their team will design a custom, and cost effective mitigation solution for your home.
Because radon is a manageable hazard, it shouldn’t deter you from our market or a specific home. With assistance from local radon mitigation companies and real estate professionals, there are proven ways to protect your health against naturally occurring radon. Whether you are a homeowner with radon concerns or a homebuyer making sure you are not buying into a potentially hazardous home, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about radon in our community.
