Protect Your Family Against Radon in Steamboat Springs

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January is National Radon Action Month so what better time to discuss what radon is, why it matters, and what you can do if your home has high radon levels. I blogged about radon a couple of years ago but it is worth covering again because of the health risks associated with high radon levels and the preventability of those risks.

What is radon?

Danger! Radon Gas

Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. It is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

Where is radon?

Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building — old and new homes, offices, and schools — and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

Here in Routt County, 51% of property’s tested had indoor radon levels above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Find more Routt County radon information here.

How does radon get in my home?

 

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Radon seeps in through cracks in walls and solid floors, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, cavities inside walls and the water supply.


Why should I test my home for radon?

The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

Where do I get a radon test?

If you are in Steamboat Springs or Routt County, Colorado, you can pick up a radon test kit for $5 at CSU Extension office at 136 6th Street, Steamboat Springs, CO in the Annex Building behind the Courthouse between 8am-5pm. A test kit can also be purchased at your local hardware store or here.

What do I do if my home’s radon levels are high?

Don’t panic! A radon reduction system can be installed which can help reduce radon levels in your home by nearly 99%.  These mitigation systems can run from roughly $1,000 to $3,000. Contact a certified radon mitigation professional for questions and additional information.  For additional information about radon in your home, click here.

Will high radon levels prevent the sale/purchase of real estate?

Not necessarily. Because radon levels can be significantly reduced with a proper mitigation system, there is no need to let a high radon level reading compromise the sale of the property. Sometimes the buyer may ask for a mitigation system to be installed or an allowance to offset the costs of a system.

Radon level readings are NOT typically included in a home inspection but if you are buying a home, I highly recommend you request a radon test.

Do yourself and your family a favor and test your home for radon today.

Regards,
Charlie

Charlie Dresen
Real Estate Associate Broker | Sotheby’s
Local Knowledge | Global Exposure | Defining Service
970-846-6435 | SteamboatsMyHome.com
610 Market Place Plaza, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487