Why Radon Should Be Part of Every Colorado Home Conversation 🏡
When you live (or plan to buy) in Colorado, radon isn’t just a distant health concern — it’s a real factor in home safety and value. Because of the state’s geology and soil, elevated radon levels are common, making regular testing and awareness essential for homeowners, buyers, and sellers alike.
What Is Radon — And Why So Many Colorado Homes Are Affected
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Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock beneath your home. CDPHE+1
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Unlike many hazards, radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless — you can’t see it, smell it, or detect it without a proper test. Larimer County+1
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Because of Colorado’s unique soil and rock composition, many homes here — new and old — are more likely than in other regions to have elevated radon levels. VERTEX+2jeffco.us+2
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According to state data, roughly half of Colorado homes tested have radon levels above the recommended safety threshold. CDPHE+2aarst.org+2
What does that mean for you as a homeowner or buyer? Even if a home looks pristine, radon could be an invisible issue — one that can affect health, loan conditions, or resale value if not addressed.
Why It Matters: Health Risks + Buyer/Seller Peace of Mind
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Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is one of the leading environmental causes of lung cancer among non-smokers. Environmental Protection Agency+2CDPHE+2
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Because the gas can accumulate in basements, ground-level spaces, or even upper floors depending on foundation and ventilation, testing is the only reliable way to know your home’s radon level. Larimer County+2garfieldcountyco.gov+2
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For sellers and real-estate professionals: disclosing radon test results, or proactively mitigating high levels, builds trust and reduces the chance of negotiation surprises or health-related liabilities down the line.
What You Should Do: Test, Know, Act
✅ Test Every Home — New or Existing
Because radon risk is widespread across Colorado — not limited to older homes — every home should be tested. aarst.org+2Larimer County+2
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Testing kits are inexpensive and easy to use. Wikipedia+1
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For accuracy, tests should ideally occur when the home is closed up (windows/doors mostly shut), because radon levels can fluctuate with ventilation, temperature, and pressure changes. garfieldcountyco.gov+1
✅ If Levels Are High — Mitigate
If your test shows radon above the action threshold (commonly 4 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L), mitigation is strongly recommended. National Radon Defense Admin+2Environmental Protection Agency+2
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Many mitigation systems (like sub-slab depressurization with ventilation fans) are very effective — often reducing indoor radon by up to 99% when done properly. Environmental Protection Agency+2CAES Field Report+2
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Typical installation costs in Colorado range from about $800 to $2,500, depending on the home’s size, foundation type, and radon levels. Peerless Environmental+2National Radon Defense Admin+2
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After installation, maintenance and operation costs are usually minimal. Peerless Environmental+1
What This Means for Sellers, Buyers & Homeowners in Colorado
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For Sellers: Including radon test results (and mitigation completion, if needed) in your listing builds trust. It can set you apart from other homes and prevent hidden issues for buyers.
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For Buyers: Don’t assume a home is safe just because it’s “new” or “recently built.” Ask for radon test results, or include radon testing in your inspection contingencies.
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For Homeowners: Make radon testing part of your regular home maintenance — ideally every few years or after major renovations. If levels are high: mitigate. It’s often relatively affordable and highly effective.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Radon may be invisible — but its impact isn’t. In Colorado, where soil and geology create a higher-than-average risk, being proactive about radon testing and mitigation isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s smart homeownership.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or planning long-term in your home: know the facts, test your air, and take action if needed.
