Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Birmingham AL 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham AL homeowners should should know:
Radon gas causes more deaths every year than all weapons combined, including guns. 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 Birmingham Alabama.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Radon gas is the single greatest threat to American homeowners and families throughtout the world. 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 Birmingham AL. 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 Birmingham AL
Birmingham is located in Jefferson County Alabama. The population of Birmingham AL and surrounding areas is 209,403. The City Clerk is Lee Frazier of City of Birmingham which is located at 710 20th St N Ste 600, Birmingham AL 35203. The local school system is Birmingham City School District which has the national school code of 100390 and FIPS code of 1073002402. The median income in Birmingham AL is $37,375 with an unemployment rate of 9%. The average house value is $94,786 and median rent price is $837. Both single family homes and rental properties in Birmingham Alabama should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Birmingham residents is 35.9 years old. The local post office can be found at 612 37th St N, Birmingham AL 35222-1320. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 33.5277 latitude, -86.7987 longitude which can precisely be found near 29th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35202. The metropolitan market falls within the Birmingham-Hoover, AL region and is within the 205 area code. Since Alabama radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Birmingham AL dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Birmingham, Alabama encompasses the following counties: Jefferson|Shelby and includes the following zip codes: 35218 35214 35215 35217 35210 35211 35212 35213 35243 35242 35224 35221 35222 35228 35203 35207 35206 35205 35204 35209 35208 35254 35068 35061 35234 35235 35233 35201 35202 35220 35232 35237 35238 35246 35249 35255 35259 35261 35270 35282 35283 35285 35287 35290 35291 35292 35294 35295 35297 35298.
Radon Problems in Birmingham Homes
When you think of health hazards in Birmingham AL, 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 Birmingham Alabama.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Jefferson County AL, 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 Birmingham. According to Yoland Levy, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Jefferson 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 Birmingham AL 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 Alabama, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Radon gas causes more deaths every year than all weapons combined, including guns.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Birmingham Alabama
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Alabama radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Jefferson County, AL including Birmingham and the 35202 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 Birmingham 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 gas is the single greatest threat to American homeowners and families throughtout the world. 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 Alabama cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Birmingham AL are very common and actually increase the value of the home.