PEAK TO PEAK - When it comes to purchasing a home in Colorado, radon may not be at the top of your list of concerns, but it should be. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious health risks if left unattended. The good news...
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PEAK TO PEAK - When it comes to purchasing a home in Colorado, radon may not be at the top of your list of concerns, but it should be. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious health risks if left unattended. The good news is, testing and mitigation are simple, but they should never be overlooked when going through the home buying process.
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is quite common in Colorado due to our unique geology. It enters the home through cracks in the foundation, crawl spaces, and other openings where the structure meets the ground. Because it has no smell, the only way to know if it is there is to test for it. The EPA's recommended action level is 4.0 pCi/L. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, one out of every two homes tested in Colorado have elevated levels.
Radon and your health
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (number 1 cause for non-smokers) and is responsible for 21,000 deaths every year in the United States. Research has confirmed that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. This does not happen overnight, but over extended periods, especially in homes with poor ventilation or when people spend a lot of their time indoors. Just another reason to get outside and enjoy our amazing surroundings.
Radon and Colorado real estate
The State of Colorado requires sellers to disclose any radon test results or the presence of a mitigation system. There is no requirement for the seller to have the property tested, so it is strongly recommended that buyers include radon testing as part of their home inspection process. It can take a few days to get the results, so make sure to account for this when setting your dates & deadlines.
If the results do come back at or above the 4.0 pCi/L action level, this can become a negotiating point in the transaction. Depending on the property, a mitigation system should cost between $900 - $1500. Regardless of who is paying for the installation, make sure that the work is completed by a licensed professional and that they provide a transferable warranty.
Final thoughts
While elevated radon levels are not uncommon in Colorado, there is no need to panic. A little awareness, proper testing, and mitigation (if needed) can go a long way to protecting the long-term health of everyone that lives in your home.
