Radon is an odorless gas that has the capability of causing a lot of harm to your health. Unlike carbon monoxide, radon will take a longer period to have an effect.
An example of such a fatal effect is lung cancer that is a cause of many deaths. This, therefore, increases the magnitude of this matter, highlighting how important it is to test for the invisible gas. There are quite a number of available tests that one can use most of them being available from online retailers.
The tests available include short-term testing that may take approximately 48 hours and long-term testing that may take more than 90 days. Since radon can be quite a risk in Colorado, it is important to conduct a test for this dangerous gas when buying a home.
Radon in Colorado
Colorado is now known to be a fast-growing area with many buildings, homes, and institutions. It is however important to note that the whole state of Colorado is considered a red zone for radon. When considering the homes already built, almost 50 percent of these homes when tested will likely show results above the Environmental Protection Agency action. This level is 4 picocuries per liter where picocuries are the unit of measurement for radon.
Radon is a result of the decay of uranium and Colorado is a state with highly mineralized soil that exists everywhere. Therefore, the whole state should be cautious and aware of what radon is, the testing methods, and how important all these procedures are.
The evidence of this danger lies in many of the medical records where health officials estimate that almost 500 citizens of Colorado die per year because of lung cancer that is a result of exposure to radon. When looking at the Environmental Protection Agency’s road map to Colorado, Colorado Springs and El Paso County show a grouped as zone 1 with the highest potential. It is therefore important to test for Radon when buying a home in Colorado.
Factors to Consider
Testing a house before purchasing it shows a great level of advantage. The levels of Radon are itemized in the Colorado Seller’s Property Disclosure form to be a hazard thus sellers should notify the buyer if radon exists or had existed before. This is however most of the time not followed. Therefore, it is the buyer’s responsibility to conduct the test. This should also be done despite the presence of a radon mitigation system for better assurance. Radon testing is convenient for the buyer’s peace of mind to be able to have an idea of the condition of the home, making planning an easy task. During the inspection of the house, the buyer is allowed a chance to perform this test but there are a few factors that need to be noted.
The home inspector will most likely use a short-term testing kit and therefore the results may be less accurate than when long-term kits are used. The best period for testing is during winter because the house is looked up most of the time. The other issue is if the home to be bought is currently inhabited. You will have to trust that the inhabitants will accurately conduct the test following the rules to ensure that all doors and windows are locked most of the time. This can be a big challenge because it may be discomforting to the sellers and they may fear a risk of high-level results that would cost them a mitigation system for you.
Homebuyers should then ask themselves if the radon test results were high, would it change their stance on purchasing the home. The main benefit of conducting this test is to ensure that the seller is the one who will have to spend on installing the mitigation system. However, the seller has the freedom to decide not to. Many homes are likely to have similar results therefore careful consideration of your decision is key. A short-term radon test may cost around $100 but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment gives these testing kits free.
Radon testing is therefore necessary when buying your home in Colorado to enable you to have a clear picture of the home. Plans are then easily made to facilitate buying a mitigating system if the seller refuses to accommodate this. The high risks of radon are too fatal for one not carefully consider this preventive step. So, to avoid any issues, consider your next home tested for radon.
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