As the cooler months approach and homeowners begin to seal up their windows and doors to keep out the cold, it’s easy to overlook what might be trapped inside: radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., making it a serious issue that homeowners should be aware of.

While radon testing can be done year-round, fall is an especially important time to consider it. Here’s why.

Why Fall is Prime Time for Radon Testing

During the fall, as temperatures drop, homes are often sealed up tightly to keep out cold air. This creates the perfect conditions for radon to accumulate indoors since there’s less ventilation. The reduced airflow inside homes during this season can cause radon levels to spike, making fall the ideal time to conduct a radon test.

Additionally, Denver and other areas with colder climates often experience higher radon levels during the fall and winter months, simply because homes are more sealed against the elements. Testing in the fall gives homeowners a clear indication of their home’s radon levels when ventilation is at its lowest.

What Exactly is Radon?

Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that forms from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can move through the ground and into your home through cracks and openings in the foundation or walls. Once inside, radon becomes trapped, and without proper testing, there’s no way to detect its presence.

The EPA estimates that about 1 in 15 homes have elevated radon levels. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, so it’s important for homeowners to test their properties and take corrective actions if necessary.

How to Test for Radon

Radon testing is a straightforward process, and there are several options available to homeowners. You can hire a professional inspection and mitigation company, like Axium, to conduct a thorough radon test using specialized equipment, or you can purchase a DIY radon testing kit.

If you opt for a DIY kit, make sure it’s from a reputable source, such as the EPA’s Radon Program. These kits are generally easy to use and come with instructions on how to set them up. Once the test period is over (usually 2-7 days), you’ll send the kit to a lab for analysis.

What to Do If You Have High Radon Levels

If your home’s radon levels are found to be above the EPA’s recommended threshold of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), it’s important to take action. Radon mitigation systems are effective and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. These systems typically involve venting radon from beneath the home and redirecting it safely outside.

In Denver, radon mitigation is especially common because of the area’s naturally high radon levels. Local professionals are well-equipped to install these systems, ensuring the safety and health of homeowners and their families.

Why Denver Homeowners Should Pay Attention

Although radon is a national concern, Denver and the surrounding areas tend to have higher radon levels due to the region’s geological makeup. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has identified radon as a significant health risk for residents, particularly because homes in the area are built on soil with higher uranium content. Given this, regular radon testing is a must for Denver homeowners, especially as fall approaches and homes become more sealed off from the outside air.

Test Your Home This Fall

Radon is a silent threat that can go undetected without proper testing, and fall is an ideal time to check your home’s levels. Whether you’re living in Denver or elsewhere, making radon testing part of your regular home maintenance routine can protect your family from a serious health risk. If you haven’t already tested your home or it’s been a few years since your last test, now is the time.

Schedule your radon test with Axium Inspections today, and ensure your home is safe as we head into the cooler months.

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