Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Hood River OR 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 Hood River 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 Hood River OR homeowners should should know:
Although normally invisible, radon gas can emit a bright luminescence when the element temperature is below its freezing point, typically between ?96 Fahrenheit and ?71 Celcius. 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 Hood River Oregon.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Along with cancer, radon exposure may cause brain disorders. According to a study published by the University of North Dakota, exposure to this radioactive gas can increase the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 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 Hood River OR. 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 Hood River OR
Hood River is located in Hood River County Oregon. The population of Hood River OR and surrounding areas is 22,037. The City Manager is Steve Wheeler of City of Hood River which is located at 211 2nd St, Hood River OR 97031. The local school system is Hood River County School District 1 which has the national school code of 4106510 and FIPS code of 41027950301. The median income in Hood River OR is $60,542 with an unemployment rate of 3.1%. The average house value is $353,392 and median rent price is $1,142. Both single family homes and rental properties in Hood River Oregon should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Hood River residents is 38.6 years old. The local post office can be found at 408 Cascade Ave, Hood River OR 97031-7031. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 45.7092 latitude, -121.5258 longitude which can precisely be found near 1345 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. The metropolitan market falls within the HoodRiverOR region and is within the 541 area code. Since Oregon radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Hood River OR dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Hood River, Oregon encompasses the following counties: Hood River and includes the following zip codes: 97031.
Radon Problems in Hood River Homes
When you think of health hazards in Hood River OR, 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 Hood River Oregon.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Hood River County OR, 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 Hood River. According to Joseline Lai, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Hood River 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 Hood River OR 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 Oregon, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Although normally invisible, radon gas can emit a bright luminescence when the element temperature is below its freezing point, typically between ?96 Fahrenheit and ?71 Celcius.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Hood River Oregon
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Oregon radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Hood River County, OR including Hood River and the 97031 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 Hood River health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. Along with cancer, radon exposure may cause brain disorders. According to a study published by the University of North Dakota, exposure to this radioactive gas can increase the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 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 Oregon cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Hood River OR are very common and actually increase the value of the home.