Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Kalamazoo MI homeowner. “What tiles will look good in my master bathroom?” “Should I install sod or plant seeds to start my lawn?” These are just a couple of questions that run through the minds of excited home buyers. Questions about radon mitigation and testing in Kalamazoo almost never come up, but they should.
Radon testing is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of your home and your loved ones. Every home should be tested for radon exposure, as elevated levels can pose serious health risks. Take action today and learn more about the importance of radon testing by visiting the CDC’s website.
Here are some facts about radon and radon mitigation Kalamazoo MI homeowners should should know:
The EPA estimates that the average home in America has an indoor radon concentration of about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Radon gas is radioactive and damages cells which can result in cancerous tumors. While exposure to radon doesn’t lead to a cancer diagnosis right away, the substance causes continuous damage within body over time which can ultimately lead to development of the disease. Radon‘s radioactive particles are known to settle within the lining of the lungs and cause cell damage there. Researchers conclude that radon exposure is the cause of approximately 21,250 lung cancer deaths annually, including residents right here in Kalamazoo Michigan.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Radioactive substances are associated with nuclear power plants and uranium mines. Unless you’re a miner or work at a power plant, you probably don’t believe that your risk of exposure is high enough to warrant concern. In this case, you’d be wrong. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that’s a byproduct of decayed uranium found deep within the earth including areas of Kalamazoo MI. When the gas rises from the ground, most of it dissipates in the outdoor air. However, some of the gas seeps into homes and commercial buildings and gets trapped inside. Since you can’t see, smell, or taste radon, the gas can build up to hazardous levels without anyone noticing the problem until it’s too late.
Interesting Facts About Kalamazoo MI
Kalamazoo is located in Kalamazoo County Michigan. The population of Kalamazoo MI and surrounding areas is 76,200. The City Clerk is Deanna Janssen of Cooper Charter Township which is located at 1590 W D Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49009. The local school system is Comstock Public Schools which has the national school code of 2610590 and FIPS code of 26077002204. The median income in Kalamazoo MI is $41,774 with an unemployment rate of 7.6%. The average house value is $105,564 and median rent price is $795. Both single family homes and rental properties in Kalamazoo Michigan should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Kalamazoo residents is 26.5 years old. The local post office can be found at 5800 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo MI 49048-1021. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 42.2749 latitude, -85.5882 longitude which can precisely be found near Harding’s Friendly Market, 412 Howard Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. The metropolitan market falls within the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI region and is within the 269 area code. Since Michigan radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Kalamazoo MI dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Kalamazoo, Michigan encompasses the following counties: Kalamazoo and includes the following zip codes: 49001 49006 49007 49008 49074 49005 49019.
Radon Problems in Kalamazoo Homes
When you think of health hazards in Kalamazoo MI, a slew of external threats come to mind. However, the radioactive byproducts of radon are a deadly foe that’s found right at home where you’re supposed to be the safest. If you have certain unexplained respiratory ailments, you should check for symptoms of radon exposure. Some of the common signals that your lungs have been compromised by radon include wheezing, coughing up blood, and chest pain. Radon gas is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer in America, including Kalamazoo Michigan.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Kalamazoo County MI, they find that the gas and its radioactive particles are waterborne as well as airborne. The gas contaminates groundwater but often gets detected and removed at municipal water treatment centers. People who rely on well water should get their water tested for radon even though waterborne radon problems are generally less common than airborne, especially in Kalamazoo. According to Lindon Gonzalez, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Kalamazoo County home is free from radon is by testing the air and water in dwelling. While most people prefer professional radon testing, you can get a quick look at your home’s radon status with an at-home radon test kit. Most Kalamazoo MI hardware stores sell these test kits and they are also available online at reasonable prices.
Basements tend to have higher levels of airborne radon than other parts of homes or businesses. If you have a basement, it’s best to start your test there. If your home is built on a crawl space or slab, conduct the radon test on the lowest livable level. As a resident of Michigan, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. The EPA estimates that the average home in America has an indoor radon concentration of about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Kalamazoo Michigan
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Michigan radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Kalamazoo County, MI including Kalamazoo and the 49001 area. During the installation process, technicians seal gaps, cracks, or openings that lead to the ground. They follow up by installing a system that creates vacuum suction under the building using negative pressure. Radon gas that builds up underneath the home gets drawn into the vacuum tubes and away from the structure before it seeps into interior spaces.
Conclusion: You probably already know that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States according to the research that the American Cancer Society and Kalamazoo health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. This deadly runner-up slides under the radar with many homeowners because it’s not easily detected without a special test. After learning about the harmful effects of radon, governing bodies continue to advocate for widespread testing and radon mitigation across Michigan cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Kalamazoo MI are very common and actually increase the value of the home.