Radon, a perilous radioactive gas that can accumulate in dwellings and structures, represents a major threat to the health of individuals residing in Colorado Springs, CO. Unfortunately, there are various misunderstandings and untruths regarding radon mitigation in this region that can endanger residents.
Misconceptions #1: Radon is not a problem in Colorado Springs, Co.
Reality: Colorado Springs is positioned in an area with elevated levels of radon, and the only method to determine if your dwelling has high levels of radon is to conduct a radon test. As per a report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, almost half of all Colorado abodes tested for radon had levels surpassing the recommended limit.
Misconception #2: Only old homes in Colorado Springs, Co have high levels of radon.
Reality: The age of a dwelling does not establish the level of radon present in Colorado Springs. Radon can penetrate any dwelling, regardless of its age, magnitude, or position. In fact, a study printed in the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity found that recent homes in Colorado had greater levels of radon than older homes.
Misconception #3: Radon testing in Colorado Springs, Co is expensive.
Reality: Radon testing in Colorado Springs is cost-effective and straightforward to accomplish. Homeowners can purchase a radon testing kit for as little as $20 and conduct the test themselves. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also offers free radon test kits to residents.
Misconception #4: Radon mitigation in Colorado Springs, Co is complex and expensive.
Reality: Radon mitigation Colorado Springs, Co is not complex and can be executed inexpensively. Most mitigation systems cost between $800 and $1,500 to install, which is a minimal price to pay for the tranquility that comes with knowing your home is safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized several radon mitigation methods as effective and affordable, according to a report by the World Health Organization.
Misconception #5: Opening windows and doors in Colorado Springs, Co will effectively reduce radon levels.
Reality: In Colorado Springs, opening windows and doors is not a practical approach to reduce radon levels in a home. It can, in reality, increase radon levels by permitting more radon gas to enter the home. The EPA suggests using ventilation systems or sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation to decrease radon levels.
Misconception #6: Radon is not a significant health risk in Colorado Springs.
Reality: Radon is the second principal cause of lung cancer in the United States, and it presents a significant health risk to those living in Colorado Springs, Co. A report by the Surgeon General appraises that radon exposure is accountable for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. Smokers living in Colorado Springs, Co face a greater risk of lung cancer from radon exposure, according to a report from the National Cancer Institute.
Misconception #7: Radon mitigation is not necessary in Colorado Springs if my neighbor’s home tested low for Radon.
Reality: Radon levels can differ widely even between adjacent homes in Colorado Springs, Co. Just because your neighbor’s home tested low for radon does not mean that your home is also low in radon. The only way to confirm is to test your own home in Colorado Springs, Co. The EPA recommends testing for radon every two years, or after any significant renovation or construction project. A report by the World Health Organization states that long-term exposure to radon poses a severe threat to human health.
