'Tis the season for radon testing

by Gracie Rowell

TO MAKE

A Space Feel Like

HOME, a person may think about buying that perfect sofa or updating current flooring to hardwood or carpet. But creating a comfortable space often includes making sure it is safe, too. That’s why landlords, homeowners and renters in Colorado should always be aware of radon levels inside a home.

Radon is much more common than one might think, according to Jason Meininger with Adaptive Solutions, a local business that provides radon testing and mitigation service. Due to the mineral concentration of the mountains, Colorado soil has higher levels of uranium. Radon is a natural byproduct of decaying uranium.

Due to its prevalence in the soil, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states that radon is found in about 50% of all Colorado homes. Furthermore, the report states that around 20,000 people in the U.S. die from radon-caused lung cancer every year. Fortunately, families can prevent radon poisoning in their homes with these easy and affordable steps.

First, test the home for radon. Meininger says the best time to test for radon is during the winter months, as windows are more likely to be closed tightly. The test findings will monitor radon levels and alert homeowners if the mark is above 0.4. Anything equal to or higher than that mark means radon mitigation is necessary.

Meininger recommends testing annually, and says residents can order a test kit for their home or contact a local professional to test for radon. To mitigate the buildup of radon indoors, homeowners can also take some preventative measures. The CDC offers these recommendations: n Do not smoke in the home. Avoiding smoking, especially indoors, reduces the risk of lung cancer caused by radon. n Open the windows. Opening the windows allows new air to circulate. n Check for cracks. Filling cracks in flooring and walls with caulk or plaster will help with insulation and protection against lingering radon.