**Albuquerque Air: Adobe Walls Hiding Radon Harm?**
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine breathing air that’s slowly poisoning you, day after day, inside your own home. It’s not a horror movie; it’s the reality for many Albuquerque residents living with elevated radon levels, especially in our beautiful, but sometimes problematic, adobe homes. The good news? It’s a problem you can tackle head-on.
Radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, is a silent killer. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and New Mexico, with its unique geology, is a hotspot. Albuquerque, nestled in the Rio Grande Valley, faces a particularly elevated risk. Our adobe homes, while charming and culturally significant, can exacerbate the problem. Their construction materials and methods can trap radon, leading to higher indoor concentrations.
So, how do you protect yourself and your family? It starts with testing. You have two primary options: DIY kits and professional testing services. DIY kits are readily available at hardware stores like Lowe’s on Coors Boulevard or Home Depot on Eubank Boulevard. These kits typically involve placing a detector in your home for a specified period (usually 2-7 days for short-term tests or 90 days to a year for long-term tests) and then sending it to a lab for analysis.
While DIY kits are affordable (around $25-$50), they require careful adherence to instructions. A common mistake is placing the detector in a drafty area or near a window, which can skew the results. Also, short-term tests provide only a snapshot of radon levels, which can fluctuate significantly. For a more accurate assessment, consider a long-term test.
Professional radon testing, on the other hand, offers several advantages. Certified radon testers, like those listed on the New Mexico Environment Department’s website, use calibrated equipment and follow strict protocols. They can also interpret the results and provide tailored recommendations for mitigation. This is especially crucial in adobe homes, where radon entry points can be complex and varied.
A professional inspection might cost between $150 and $300, but it’s an investment in your health and peace of mind. They’ll consider factors specific to Albuquerque homes, such as the soil composition around your foundation and the ventilation characteristics of adobe construction.
Now, let’s talk about mitigation. If your radon levels are at or above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), you need to take action. The most common mitigation technique is soil suction, which involves installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon gas from beneath the foundation and exhaust it outside.
However, adobe homes present unique challenges. Their thick walls and earthen construction can make it difficult to install traditional venting systems. In some cases, sealing cracks and openings in the foundation and walls can help reduce radon entry. Improving ventilation, especially in basements or crawl spaces, is also crucial.
One Albuquerque homeowner in the historic Barelas neighborhood discovered dangerously high radon levels after purchasing an older adobe home. They initially tried sealing cracks, but the levels remained elevated. Ultimately, they worked with a local radon mitigation specialist who designed a custom sub-slab depressurization system that was carefully integrated into the home’s existing structure, preserving its architectural integrity.
Finding a qualified radon mitigation contractor is essential. Look for companies certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST). Get multiple bids and ask for references. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about their experience with adobe homes and their proposed mitigation plan.
The cost of radon mitigation can range from $800 to $2500 or more, depending on the complexity of the system and the size of your home. While it’s a significant expense, consider it a long-term investment in your health and the value of your property.
The New Mexico Environment Department offers resources and information on radon testing and mitigation. You can also contact the Bernalillo County Environmental Health Department for local guidance. Don’t delay. Testing your Albuquerque home for radon is a simple step that can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. It’s about protecting yourself, your family, and the unique charm of our Southwestern homes.