Since the late 80’s, awareness of the silent killer Radon has grown through PSA’s, awareness campaigns, and social media. Unfortunately, many families and homeowners still live for years in their homes without ever knowing how much danger they might be in, especially in Colorado where around half of homes in the state have levels above the recommended levels determined by the EPA. This means that you and your family may be exposed to the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country on a daily basis without ever knowing. Here at True Performance, we want you to live a long and full life, so here is our Public Service Announcement about Radon in Colorado Homes.
Radioactive Gas
When naturally occurring uranium decays in the soil, it releases Radon gas which is also radioactive. Like most gases, it is less dense than dirt and rock and slowly makes its way up through the earth like natural gas or methane. Since it is a gas, Radon is taken in through breathing and disrupts the cells and membranes of the bronchioles. Eventually, constant exposure degrades the DNA of the surrounding tissue which leads to lung cancer.
It’s Nationwide
Colorado is not the only place in the nation with Radon exposure. Uranium is in the Earth’s crust layers across the world. Every state in the U.S. has Radon in at least some areas. Colorado, however, has found Radon at some level in every part of the state; making awareness even more important for Colorado residents.
Smokers & Children Are at Higher Risk
Colorado is one of the healthiest states with activities for just about everyone. Even so, and even with a ten-year old, state-wide smoking ban, there is still a large number of smokers who are in greater danger from Radon due to the additional damage of smoking…yes, MJ included.
For children, higher respiration rates and growing bodies often lead to a greater sensitivity which leads to the effects of Radon being exponentially more damaging. Studies have shown that children who have been affected by Radon are more susceptible to lung cancer than those who have not.
Silent Entry
Radon seeps into your home through any number of different pathways. From cracks in the basement concrete and opening around drains to crawl spaces and well water, it finds a way in. Age and type of home have little to no effect on how much Radon penetrates your home and since your home is usually warmer than the surrounding soil, gaseous Radon will accumulate in the lower air pressure.
Full Disclosure
Colorado Real Estate legislation requires Radon test levels to be provided to potential home buyers, even if the levels were found to be non-toxic. Additionally, any steps taken to reduce Radon have to be disclosed as well so that the buyer knows to keep an eye out for breakdowns.
Fighting Back
Fortunately, there are ways that you can mitigate or eliminate the amount of Radon entering your home. The easiest way is to make certain that any cracks in your foundation are sealed; either with plastic tarps or with special Radon sealing paint. The most expensive, and usually most effective, is a $1k-$3k systems that sucks gasses from the surrounding soil and disperses them into the air above the house. Whatever manner you choose, lowering the amount of exposure will certainly reduce the danger.
You and your loved ones don’t have to live with Radon. By staying aware and taking effective measures you can eliminate exposure altogether. We want you to be safe and enjoy your house for years to come, so please purchase a Radon detection kit today and keep your family safe. For more information, please visit the websites below: