Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that poses serious health risks when accumulated indoors. While invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In places like Denver, where geological conditions contribute to higher-than-average radon levels, radon mitigation in Denver becomes not just a precaution but a necessity to protect residents from the harmful effects of this dangerous gas.
Understanding Radon in the Denver Area
Denver sits atop a geological zone known for uranium-rich granite and shale formations. As uranium breaks down, it releases radon gas, which then seeps through the soil and enters homes through cracks in foundations, sump pumps, construction joints, and other openings.
Colorado, in general, has some of the highest radon concentrations in the country, and Denver is no exception. In fact, more than half of the homes tested in the metro area exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) strongly advises all homeowners to test their homes for radon and take action if levels are elevated.
Why Radon Mitigation is Important
Health risks associated with long-term radon exposure are well-documented. Unlike secondhand smoke or air pollution, radon exposure is completely preventable—once detected, it can be mitigated through relatively straightforward and affordable means.
The problem, however, lies in its stealth. Without testing, there’s no way to know whether your home is safe. Even newer homes with airtight construction can trap radon inside, making mitigation systems essential even in modern builds.
Testing for Radon
Before jumping into mitigation, testing is the first step. Homeowners can purchase DIY test kits from hardware stores or hire certified professionals to conduct more precise assessments. The CDPHE offers free short-term test kits to Colorado residents during certain parts of the year, making it easy to get started.
Tests are typically conducted in the lowest livable area of a home (like a basement or crawl space) over a period of 2–90 days, depending on the method used. If the results come back at 4 pCi/L or higher, mitigation is strongly recommended.
How Radon Mitigation Works
Radon mitigation systems are designed to prevent the gas from entering your home and to vent it safely outside. The most common type in Denver is a sub-slab depressurization system, which involves installing a vent pipe and fan that draws radon from beneath the foundation and expels it above the roofline.
Other methods include:
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Sealing foundation cracks: While not a standalone solution, sealing can complement active systems and reduce radon entry.
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Sub-membrane depressurization: Used in homes with crawl spaces, this method involves placing a plastic sheet over the soil and using a fan to suck radon from under the membrane.
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Heat recovery ventilation (HRV): These systems increase ventilation and improve indoor air quality, useful in homes with moderate radon levels.
Professional installation typically costs between $800 and $2,500 in the Denver area, depending on the size and layout of the home.
Choosing a Radon Mitigation Professional
It’s crucial to hire a certified radon mitigation contractor to ensure the system is properly designed and installed. Look for contractors certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). In Colorado, radon contractors are not required to be licensed, so due diligence is essential.
Reputable mitigation specialists will offer a post-installation test to confirm the system is effective, and many provide warranties for their work.
Radon Mitigation and Real Estate in Denver
In Denver’s competitive housing market, radon testing and mitigation have become standard parts of the real estate transaction process. Buyers are increasingly requesting radon test results before closing, and sellers often preemptively install systems to improve marketability.
If you’re selling a home in Denver, having a radon mitigation system already installed can be a selling point, providing peace of mind to potential buyers.
Final Thoughts
Radon may be an invisible threat, but it doesn’t have to be a silent one. Testing and mitigation are proactive steps that protect your family’s health and improve your home’s value. Given Denver’s geological risk factors, radon mitigation isn’t just a good idea—it’s a smart investment in your home and future.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply staying put, addressing radon head-on ensures you breathe easier—literally and figuratively—in the Mile High City.