Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Berkeley Springs WV 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 Berkeley Springs 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 Berkeley Springs WV homeowners should should know:
According to a study published by the American Cancer Society, the combination of tobacco smoke and exposure to radon gas increases the risk of developing lung cancer more than cigarette smoking or radon exposure alone. 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 Berkeley Springs West Virginia.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Radon is a Group 1 Carcinogen according to the United States government. This means the substance has been proven to be carcinogenic to human beings. 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 Berkeley Springs WV. 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 Berkeley Springs WV
Berkeley Springs is located in Morgan County West Virginia. The population of Berkeley Springs WV and surrounding areas is 30,096. The City Clerk is Sharron Corrick of Town of Bath which is located at 271 Wilkes St Ste A, Berkeley Springs WV 25411. The local school system is Morgan County School District which has the national school code of 5400990 and FIPS code of 54065970800. The median income in Berkeley Springs WV is $32,500 with an unemployment rate of 3.1%. The average house value is $100,105 and median rent price is $1,055. Both single family homes and rental properties in Berkeley Springs West Virginia should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Berkeley Springs residents is 48 years old. The local post office can be found at 257 N Washington St, Berkeley Springs WV 25411-1550. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 39.627 latitude, -78.2272 longitude which can precisely be found near 77 Fairfax Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. The metropolitan market falls within the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV region and is within the 304 area code. Since West Virginia radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Berkeley Springs WV dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia encompasses the following counties: Morgan and includes the following zip codes: 25411.
Radon Problems in Berkeley Springs Homes
When you think of health hazards in Berkeley Springs WV, 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 Berkeley Springs West Virginia.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Morgan County WV, 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 Berkeley Springs. According to Jawon Caudill, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Morgan 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 Berkeley Springs WV 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 West Virginia, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. According to a study published by the American Cancer Society, the combination of tobacco smoke and exposure to radon gas increases the risk of developing lung cancer more than cigarette smoking or radon exposure alone.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Berkeley Springs West Virginia
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional West Virginia radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Morgan County, WV including Berkeley Springs and the 25411 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 Berkeley Springs health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. Radon is a Group 1 Carcinogen according to the United States government. This means the substance has been proven to be carcinogenic to human beings. 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 West Virginia cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Berkeley Springs WV are very common and actually increase the value of the home.