Richmond American Homes Receives Radon Award from AARST

Online, July 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) has recognized M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its Richmond American Homes homebuilding subsidiaries for leadership in incorporating active radon control systems in all new homes in areas designated by the EPA as having high potential for elevated radon levels, identified as Zone 1. The EPA has assigned to all counties in the United States one of three zones based upon radon potential.

AARST President Carolyn Allen stated, "We are very pleased to recognize Richmond American as a leader in the effort to increase awareness of the risks associated with radon in new residential housing and in designing and constructing its homes built in Zone 1 areas to address and reduce these risks."

Andrew Harris, a Senior Vice President at Richmond American Homes accepted the award on June 21, 2011 at the National Healthy Homes Conference in Denver, CO on behalf of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its homebuilding subsidiaries. The award recognizes the company's efforts to promote radon awareness and radon risk reduction by becoming the first production home builder in the United States to start including an active radon system in all homes built in areas designated as having high radon potential.

To date, Richmond American Homes homebuilding companies have installed over 1,000 active radon control systems in new homes in EPA Zone 1 areas in Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia. Approximately 650 systems have been installed in Colorado alone. An EPA Zone 1 area has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L, the level at which the EPA recommends taking further action.

In accepting the award, Andrew Harris indicated that Richmond American Homes companies are pleased to accept this award and recognition. "Prospective buyers of new homes located in any EPA Zone 1 area should ask their builder about the radon-resistant new construction features they include."