Radon levels in Colorado tend to be highest during the winter months, particularly from November through March. Understanding this seasonal variation is crucial for Colorado residents, as the state has higher than average radon levels compared to the rest of the United States.

Why Winter Sees Peak Radon Levels

Several factors contribute to elevated radon concentrations during Colorado’s colder months:

Closed-up Homes: In winter, people keep windows and doors closed to conserve heat, reducing ventilation and allowing radon to accumulate indoors.

Stack Effect: Warm air rising in heated homes creates a vacuum effect, drawing radon up from the soil through foundation cracks and openings.

Frozen Ground: Soil freezing can trap radon gases, forcing them to find alternate escape routes – often into homes.

Pressure Differences: The greater indoor-outdoor temperature difference in winter increases the pressure differential that pulls radon into buildings.

Colorado’s Unique Radon Profile

Colorado’s geology and elevation make it particularly prone to high radon levels:

• The average indoor radon level in Colorado is 6.3 pCi/L, significantly higher than the national average of 1.3 pCi/L.
• About half of all homes in Colorado have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.
• All Colorado counties are designated as EPA Zone 1, indicating the highest potential for elevated radon.

Testing and Mitigation

Given Colorado’s high radon risk, residents should take the following steps:

1. Test Your Home: Conduct a radon test, especially during winter months when levels are likely to be highest.
2. Understand Results: The EPA recommends taking action if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L, though no level of radon exposure is considered completely safe.
3. Consider Long-Term Testing: While short-term tests provide quick results, long-term tests (3 months to 1 year) offer a more accurate picture of year-round radon exposure.
4. Mitigate if Necessary: If high levels are detected, consult with a certified radon mitigation specialist to reduce radon concentrations in your home.

Conclusion

While radon levels in Colorado are generally highest during winter, it’s important to remember that radon can be a year-round concern. The only way to know your home’s radon level is to test. By understanding the seasonal variations and taking appropriate action, Colorado residents can protect themselves from the health risks associated with radon exposure.