Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Amherst MA 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 Amherst 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 Amherst MA homeowners should should know:
When coupled with radon exposure, several things can increase an individual’s chances of developing cancer. Some of the more notable ones include the following: The concentration of radon in the home, the amount of time one spends in the home, and whether or not the person or people living within the home are current or former smokers. 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 Amherst Massachusetts.
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 Amherst MA. 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 Amherst MA
Amherst is located in Hampshire County Massachusetts. The population of Amherst MA and surrounding areas is 39,814. The City Manager is Paul Bockelman of Town of Amherst which is located at 4 Boltwood Ave, Amherst MA 01002. The local school system is Amherst which has the national school code of 210345 and FIPS code of 25015820500. The median income in Amherst MA is $56,905 with an unemployment rate of 8.9%. The average house value is $361,524 and median rent price is $1,376. Both single family homes and rental properties in Amherst Massachusetts should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Amherst residents is 21.3 years old. The local post office can be found at 145 University Dr, Amherst MA 01002-3819. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 42.3645 latitude, -72.5069 longitude which can precisely be found near 339 South East Street, Amherst Center, MA 01002. The metropolitan market falls within the Springfield, MA region and is within the 413 area code. Since Massachusetts radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Amherst MA dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Amherst, Massachusetts encompasses the following counties: Hampshire and includes the following zip codes: 01002 01003 01004 01059.
Radon Problems in Amherst Homes
When you think of health hazards in Amherst MA, 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 Amherst Massachusetts.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Hampshire County MA, 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 Amherst. According to Vartan Burnett, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Hampshire 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 Amherst MA 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 Massachusetts, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. When coupled with radon exposure, several things can increase an individual’s chances of developing cancer. Some of the more notable ones include the following: The concentration of radon in the home, the amount of time one spends in the home, and whether or not the person or people living within the home are current or former smokers.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Amherst Massachusetts
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Massachusetts radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Hampshire County, MA including Amherst and the 1002 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 Amherst 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 Massachusetts cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Amherst MA are very common and actually increase the value of the home.