Living in Fort Collins offers incredible access to nature and a vibrant community, but the soil beneath our homes hides a colorless, odorless gas that demands attention. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors. Understanding the risks and radon testing procedures is critical for maintaining a healthy living environment. Evergreen Radon & Construction Services is here to help you navigate this process, ensuring your home remains a safe sanctuary for you and your family.
Is Radon a Problem in Fort Collins, Colorado?
When people think of the risks associated with living in Colorado, they often think of heavy snowfall or potential wildfires. However, one of the most pervasive risks to homeowners in Fort Collins is invisible. Radon is unequivocally a significant issue in our region. This is largely due to the geological composition of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding Front Range. The soil and rock in this area contain high concentrations of uranium. As this uranium naturally decays over time, it breaks down into radium, which subsequently decays into radon gas. Because radon is a gas, it moves freely up through the soil and seeks the path of least resistance to escape into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, houses act as vacuums that suck this gas out of the ground and trap it indoors.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Larimer County as Zone 1, indicating the highest potential for elevated indoor radon. Data shows approximately half of Colorado homes exceed the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L. It is a common misconception that only older homes are affected; new construction is just as susceptible. Modern energy-efficient builds can inadvertently trap radon gas, allowing hazardous concentrations to build. Whether a historic bungalow or a brand-new build, the local geology makes radon a widespread concern.
How Do I Know if My Home Has Radon?
The danger of radon lies in its stealth; unlike smoke or gas leaks, it provides no sensory warnings. You cannot see, smell, or taste it, and exposure causes no immediate symptoms like nausea. Because health risks like lung cancer develop over years, radon testing is the only way to detect this radioactive gas.
Relying on a neighbor’s low test result is a dangerous mistake. Radon levels vary wildly between houses due to soil permeability, foundation cracks, sump pits, or HVAC usage. A neighbor’s low reading does not guarantee your safety.
Levels also fluctuate with the seasons. In Fort Collins, radon typically rises during winter when frozen ground and shut windows trap gas inside. Conversely, levels may drop in summer. Because of these fluctuations and the hyper-local nature of soil gas entry, specific radon testing of your individual property is the only method to accurately determine your risk profile.
How Is Radon Testing Done in a House?
Radon testing is a scientific process that requires adherence to specific protocols to ensure accuracy. There are generally two categories of radon testing: passive and active. Passive devices, such as charcoal canisters, are often found in DIY kits. These are placed in the home for a set period and then mailed to a laboratory for analysis. While these can provide a general idea of radon levels, they are susceptible to user error and interference from humidity or drafts.
For the most accurate results – the industry standard for real estate transactions – Evergreen Radon & Construction Services uses professional Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs).
Active Testing Process:
- Placement: NRPP Certified technicians place calibrated CRMs on the lowest livable level, away from drafts, vents, or direct sunlight.
- Closed-House Conditions: All windows and external doors must remain closed for 12 hours prior to and throughout the minimum 48-hour radon testing period.
- Data Integrity: Unlike passive kits, CRMs track hourly fluctuations in radon, barometric pressure, and humidity. They include sensors to detect tampering or movement, ensuring result validity.
As IEA Members, the Evergreen team ensures all equipment is properly calibrated to provide a comprehensive report on your indoor air quality. Once the 48-hour period concludes, the data is analyzed to provide a true reflection of your home’s risk profile.
Secure Your Home’s Health Today
Taking action against radon is one of the most important steps you can take for your family’s long-term health. Don’t leave your indoor air quality to chance or rely on guesswork. Evergreen Radon & Construction Services provides reliable, professional radon testing to give you the answers you need. Whether you are buying a new property or checking your current residence, contact us today to schedule your radon test. Let us help you breathe easier knowing your home is safe.