**Albuquerque Air: Is Radon Packaging Crashing Senior Lungs?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

October 31, 2025

The air in Albuquerque, New Mexico, often feels crisp and clean, thanks to the high desert climate. But lurking unseen in many homes, especially older ones, is a silent threat: radon. This radioactive gas, a byproduct of uranium decay in the soil, can seep into buildings and accumulate, posing a significant health risk, particularly to seniors with already compromised respiratory systems. Ignoring this invisible danger can have devastating consequences, but understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can ensure a healthier living environment.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It’s impossible to detect without proper testing. Albuquerque’s geological makeup, with its uranium-rich soil, makes it a hotspot for elevated radon levels. This is not just a theoretical concern; the New Mexico Department of Health actively encourages radon testing due to the state’s high-risk status.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable. Their respiratory systems may already be weakened by age or pre-existing conditions like COPD or asthma. Radon exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, and this risk is amplified for smokers. The insidious nature of radon means that symptoms often don’t appear until the cancer is advanced, making early detection and mitigation crucial.

So, how do you protect yourself or your loved ones in Albuquerque? Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing for radon and mitigating its presence:

Step 1: Obtain a Radon Test Kit.

You have two primary options: short-term and long-term test kits. Short-term kits are readily available at most hardware stores in Albuquerque, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot, and online retailers like Amazon. Look for kits certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). These certifications ensure the kit’s accuracy and reliability. Long-term kits, while providing a more accurate annual average, require testing over 90 days. For a quicker assessment, especially if you’re concerned about immediate exposure, a short-term kit is a good starting point. You can also contact the New Mexico Department of Health for a list of certified radon testing providers in the Albuquerque area.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home for Testing.

Close all windows and exterior doors for 12 hours before starting the test and during the entire testing period. This helps to ensure an accurate reading by preventing ventilation from diluting the radon concentration. Place the test kit in the lowest lived-in level of your home. This is typically the basement or the first floor if you don’t have a basement. Avoid placing the kit in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near drafts, exterior walls, or areas with high humidity. These areas can skew the results.

Step 3: Deploy the Test Kit.

Follow the instructions provided with your specific test kit. Typically, this involves placing the detector in the designated location and leaving it undisturbed for the specified time (usually 2-7 days for short-term kits). Record the start and end dates and times of the test. This information is crucial for accurate analysis.

Step 4: Send the Kit to the Lab.

Once the testing period is complete, seal the kit according to the instructions and mail it to the designated laboratory for analysis. The lab will analyze the detector and provide you with a report indicating the radon level in your home.

Step 5: Interpret the Results.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to mitigate radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Even levels below 4 pCi/L pose some risk, and you might consider mitigation, especially if you have risk factors like smoking or pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Step 6: Mitigation (If Necessary).

If your radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, it’s crucial to take action to reduce it. The most common and effective mitigation method is soil suction, also known as sub-slab depressurization. This involves installing a pipe through the foundation floor and connecting it to a fan that draws radon gas from beneath the house and vents it safely outside.

Finding Certified Radon Mitigation Specialists in Albuquerque:

The New Mexico Environment Department maintains a list of certified radon mitigation specialists. You can find this list on their website or by contacting their office directly. Always verify the contractor’s certification and insurance before hiring them. Get multiple quotes and ask for references. A reputable contractor will be able to explain the mitigation process clearly and answer all your questions.

Financial Assistance Programs:

Radon mitigation can be expensive, but several financial assistance programs are available to help Albuquerque residents, particularly seniors and low-income individuals.

• The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA): While not specifically for radon mitigation, the MFA offers home improvement loans that can be used for this purpose. Check their website for eligibility requirements and application details.
• Local Albuquerque Grants: Contact the City of Albuquerque’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department. They may have grant programs available for home repairs, which could potentially cover radon mitigation.
• Federal Programs: While there isn’t a specific federal program dedicated solely to radon mitigation, explore programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income families improve their home’s energy efficiency and safety. Radon mitigation might be an eligible expense under this program.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:

• Improper Testing: Failing to follow the instructions carefully, placing the kit in the wrong location, or not closing windows and doors can lead to inaccurate results.
• DIY Mitigation: While DIY radon test kits are acceptable, radon mitigation is best left to professionals. Improper mitigation can be ineffective or even create new problems.
• Ignoring the Results: Even if the radon level is slightly below 4 pCi/L, don’t ignore the potential risk. Consider mitigation, especially if you have risk factors.
• Not Maintaining the Mitigation System: Radon mitigation systems require periodic maintenance, such as fan replacement. Neglecting maintenance can reduce the system’s effectiveness.

Living in Albuquerque means embracing the beauty of the high desert, but it also requires being aware of the potential health risks associated with radon. By taking proactive steps to test your home and mitigate radon levels, you can create a safer and healthier living environment for yourself and your loved ones, especially our vulnerable senior population. Don’t let this invisible threat compromise your well-being. Take action today.