Radiation and Your Health: The Rocky Mountain Risk

When most people think of radiation, they imagine nuclear disasters or hospital imaging equipment. But the truth is, radiation is all around us — in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the ground beneath our feet. And here in the Rocky Mountain region, the risk of exposure to naturally occurring radioactive elements is even higher than in many other parts of the country.

At Atlas Specific, we believe awareness is the first step toward empowered health. This article explores where radiation comes from, how it may be impacting your body, and what you can do to protect yourself naturally.

What Are Radioactive Elements?

Radioactive elements are unstable atoms that release energy in the form of ionizing radiation. While this may sound like science fiction, these elements are naturally present in our environment — and in some places, they’re more concentrated than you might think.

Common radioactive elements include:

Radon:

A colorless, odorless gas that seeps from the ground as uranium breaks down. Common in basements and well water.

Uranium: 

Found in rocks, soil, and water, especially in regions with a long mining history like Durango.

Radium: 

A byproduct of uranium decay, also commonly found in deep groundwater.

Thorium, Cesium, and Polonium:

These elements, though less common, are still present in trace amounts in soil, food, and air.

Everyday activities, such as flying, consuming certain foods, and even undergoing medical procedures, can expose us to low levels of radiation. However, the cumulative effects, especially in areas with naturally elevated levels, such as Durango, deserve attention.

Why Is Radiation Exposure a Concern in Colorado?

Living in the Rocky Mountains offers stunning views and fresh air, but it also means we live close to high concentrations of natural uranium in rock and soil. Considering the region's rich mining history, the potential for radioactive exposure is higher here than in many other parts of the country. Beyond what’s in the soil, there’s a deeper — and more local — history that’s important to understand.

In the 1940s, Durango became home to a uranium processing mill, which operated until 1963. At the time, radioactive waste from the mill — known as uranium tailings — was repurposed as a construction material. Tailings were used in the foundations of homes, businesses, sidewalks, and even roads throughout town.

By the 1970s and '80s, the health risks of this practice became clear. A massive federal cleanup effort followed, and more than 122,000 cubic yards of radioactive waste were removed from properties in and around the Durango area.

However, as recently as 2019, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified over 100 properties in Durango that may still contain uranium tailings. While not all have been confirmed, indoor contamination is of particular concern due to the risk of radon gas buildup, a known health hazard and leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

So when we talk about radiation exposure in our area, it’s not just theoretical — it’s historical, environmental, and ongoing.

Other key concerns:

• Well Water: Private wells may tap into water sources rich in radium and uranium.

• Radon Gas: Common in homes built on rock-heavy soil — it’s invisible and odorless, making it hard to detect without testing.

• Fracking Activity: Drilling can release naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) from deep underground.

• Glyphosate Use: This common herbicide has been shown to increase plant uptake of uranium, potentially allowing it to pass into the food chain.

How Radiation Affects Your Health

Radiation exposure, even at low levels over time, can suppress the immune system, damage cells, and contribute to the development of chronic illnesses. Because radiation can affect multiple systems in the body, symptoms may vary widely and often overlap with those of other conditions, making it challenging to trace them back to a single source. Common symptoms associated with chronic, low-level radiation exposure and radiation toxicity can include:

• Autoimmune disease

• Digestive upset and bloating

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Headaches, dizziness, or hormonal imbalance

• Increased inflammation 

• Immune system suppression

• Joint pain

• Promotion of candida overgrowth

• Skin issues (dryness, rashes, or discoloration)

• Sleep disturbances or emotional imbalances

• Slowing of the body’s drainage pathways

• Suppression of the body’s innate healing ability

In more extreme cases, long-term radiation exposure has been linked to bone weakening, fertility issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly lung and bone cancers. If you’ve experienced lingering or unexplained symptoms, especially after ruling out other common causes, radiation toxicity may be worth considering as part of your broader health picture.

What You Can Do: Natural Support for Radiation Detox

While we can’t eliminate radiation from the environment, we can help our bodies process and eliminate it more effectively. Here are a few ways to support your system:

1. Choose Safe, Filtered Water

If you use well water, have it tested for radium and uranium. Consider using a high-quality filtration system to remove contaminants.

2. Eat Clean, Non-GMO Foods

Glyphosate-heavy crops (like conventional corn, soy, and canola) can increase radioactive element uptake. Organic, whole foods are your safest bet.

3. Support Drainage and Detoxification

Radiation tends to settle deep in tissues and organs, so opening your body’s natural drainage pathways is essential. These foundational CellCore products can help:

ViRadChem Binder 

A targeted binder that helps pull radiation and other toxins from deep tissues, thanks to Carbon Technology.

Bowel Mover 

Encourages regular elimination without being habit-forming, which is essential for detox success.

Advanced TUDCA 

Supports healthy liver and bile duct function to reduce the burden on your primary detox organ.

CT-Iodine 

Helps displace radioactive elements from cells while supporting healthy thyroid and lymphatic function.

BC-ATP 

Supports mitochondrial health and cellular energy, which radiation exposure can deplete.

Zinc

Strengthens immune defenses while supporting the detoxification process.

Explore these products and more through our CellCore affiliate portal below.

Final Thoughts: Awareness Is Action

Radiation exposure is an often overlooked piece of the chronic illness puzzle — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and support, your body can recover, detoxify, and return to balance.

If you’re struggling with symptoms that aren’t resolving or are curious about whether radiation might be affecting your health, schedule a free consultation with us at Atlas Specific by using the link below, visiting our Durango office, or calling us at (970) 259-6803. 

As your Durango Chiropractor, we're here to help you navigate your healing journey naturally and holistically.

Notice of Disclaimer:

We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.