Radon in CO homes?

[mousegun87]

We are moving from MO to CO in 4 weeks. We are in the process of closing our next home in CO when the radon inspector reported that the radon concentration in the basement is higher than EPA standard. We don't have much radon problem in MO, but I learned that almost all CO counties are listed by the Gov. as having high risk of radon emission from the ground. See: http://www.epa.gov/radon/states/colorado.html



Red = high radon risk.

This is a new home, and the builder/seller has agreed to install mitigation system. We will not close the deal until the radon test shows normal level ( < 3.9 pc/l).

Anyone here has tested their homes for radon? Any experience with active or passive mitigation systems?
Initially I am having a second thought about proceeding with the purchase of this home. But, knowing CO to be high risk for radon, other homes we will look at probably has this issue as well.

Will you buy a home that is known to have radon gas, but has been successfully mitigated?

[BlasterBob]

We live down in Las Animas County and have taken the County furnished test for radon just a couple years ago We passed easily but I don't recall the exact number, if it was zero or what the extremely low number was. No radon problem at my place! Good luck.

[Marlin]

As long as the foundation doesn't have any major cracks in it. Or, you aren't a lab rat exposed to 50 times the normal exposure rate. You shouldn't have any major worries.

[mousegun87]

The home is a new build. No crack on the foundation or basement floor. It is located in Weld county. I read that radon is fairly common findings in homes in the Denver area. So it looks like northern CO seems to have more of this than the southern part of the state.

[Ed_S]

I live in Longmont and within our devlopment some houses have radon issues and some don't.

Does it bother me - no.

I'm more concerned about 'Obamination' getting in for a second term!

[Zombie Steve]

I sell real estate and see levels higher than the EPA standard all of the time.

Most of these homes are vacant (and have been for 4 months) with unfinished basements. There is no air circulation, so once people move in and start opening windows and doors the level drops almost immediately. The mitigation systems just move air. If your levels were over 12 or so I'd be concerned. Under 8 or so I wouldn't be concerned unless you plan on sleeping on the basement floor for 20 years or so.

If the builder is paying for it, no biggie. Just test again before your warranty expires.

[BPTactical]

As long as you have some airflow in the basement you should be OK. The Radon only causes issues in areas where it is allowed to accumulate and long term exposure.
A buddy's basement actually has a false basement floor with air circulation underneath for mitigation.
In all reality you probably get a higher exposure to radioactivity standing in front of the microwave nuking a 7-11 gutbomb burrito and talking on the cell phone.


Not too big an issue.........................twitch, twitch

[mousegun87]

I sell real estate and see levels higher than the EPA standard all of the time.

Most of these homes are vacant (and have been for 4 months) with unfinished basements. There is no air circulation, so once people move in and start opening windows and doors the level drops almost immediately. The mitigation systems just move air. If your levels were over 12 or so I'd be concerned. Under 8 or so I wouldn't be concerned unless you plan on sleeping on the basement floor for 20 years or so.

If the builder is paying for it, no biggie. Just test again before your warranty expires.

Yes, this home was completed about 2 months ago and has been empty when the 48-hr test was done. The average level came back at 15. So it is pretty high. The builder said they will install the passive system and re-test. If it is still higher than EPA standard (4) then they will install the active system and re-test again. Either way, they agree to mitigate the issue, so they cannot sell the house until the radon problem is fully mitigated.

[Zombie Steve]

Well, they could sell it, it would just be tough now that they have a material defect they legally have to disclose.

I don't think the presence of a mitigation system would have any impact on you re-selling the home in the future. Save all of your info so you can disclose it later and put people's worries to rest.

[trlcavscout]

Where you moving to in Weld county? I work in that area and I am in a lot of homes everyday, I see a lot of systems. Like has been said if they are paying and they get the levels down it would be ok.