THE IMPORTANCE OF RADON TESTING IN SUMMIT COUNTY

While Inspecting in Summit County Colorado, I've inspected hundreds of properties over the years. One thing that consistently surprises new homeowners and even some long-time residents is just how serious the radon issue is here in the mountains. This is primarily due to the rocky soil throughout the area.

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in our rocky, uranium-rich soils. It seeps up from the ground and enters homes through foundations, cracks, sump pumps, pipe penetrations, and construction joints. Once inside, especially during our long winters when windows and doors stay closed, it can build up to dangerous concentrations.

Why Summit County Is Particularly at Risk

Summit County sits in EPA Radon Zone 1  the highest-risk category meaning we expect average indoor levels above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). Local data tells an even more concerning story:

• The national average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L.
  • In Summit County, recent averages from tested homes range from 6.4 pCi/L to 10 pCi/L (depending on the dataset and year).
  • More than half of homes tested here come back above the EPA's action level of 4 pCi/L.

  Levels vary dramatically even between neighboring homes — I've had my personal home test at 2 pCi/L and the next door neighbor over 20 pCi/L. That's why relying on "my neighbor's house was fine" just doesn't cut it.

  The Health Impact — Why It Matters

  The EPA estimates radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S., making it the second-leading cause after smoking (and the #1 cause for non-smokers). Here in Summit County, that risk translates to roughly a couple of preventable deaths each year from radon exposure.

  The risk multiplies if anyone in the home smokes. Long-term exposure to elevated levels is like adding the equivalent of many cigarettes per day to your lungs — invisible and preventable.

  Testing — My #1 Recommendation

  As a licensed measurement specialist , I always recommend radon testing. The only way to know your home's level is to test — there are no visible signs or symptoms until it's too late.

  The good news? If levels come back high, mitigation is straightforward, reliable, and relatively affordable (often averaging around $2,600-$3,000 depending on the size and style of the footprint of the home). Licensed mitigators install venting systems with fans that pull radon from beneath the foundation and exhaust it safely outside — most homes can be brought well below 4 pCi/L, often to under 2 pCi/L.

  Bottom Line for Summit County Homeowners

  In our high-altitude, rocky mountain environment, radon isn't a "maybe" — it's a very real and common concern (roughly 65% of the homes I test come back with a high reading). Testing is less than $200, quick, easy, and gives you peace of mind. I've seen families reduce their risk dramatically with one simple test and, when needed, a mitigation system.

   

  Shea Lydon
  Inspector
  Shea@TwoMooseHomeInspections.com