Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Buffalo NY 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo NY homeowners should should know:
Radon exposure results in over 22,465 deaths per year in the USA and approximately 246,520 deaths per year worldwide. 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 Buffalo New York.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. The American Lung Association has established that exposure to radon is one of the greatest health threats that exist for non-smokers. 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 Buffalo NY. 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 Buffalo NY
Buffalo is located in Erie County New York. The population of Buffalo NY and surrounding areas is 255,284. The Mayor is Byron Brown of City of Buffalo which is located at 65 Niagara Sq RM 201, Buffalo NY 14202. The local school system is Buffalo City School District which has the national school code of 3605850 and FIPS code of 36029001602. The median income in Buffalo NY is $37,354 with an unemployment rate of 7.1%. The average house value is $94,145 and median rent price is $776. Both single family homes and rental properties in Buffalo New York should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Buffalo residents is 33.1 years old. The local post office can be found at 1035 BROADWAY ST, BUFFALO NY 14212-1460. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 42.9016 latitude, -78.8487 longitude which can precisely be found near 380 Johnson Street, Buffalo, NY 14211. The metropolitan market falls within the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY region and is within the 716 area code. Since New York radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Buffalo NY dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Buffalo, New York encompasses the following counties: Erie and includes the following zip codes: 14208 14209 14202 14203 14201 14206 14207 14204 14220 14222 14218 14211 14210 14213 14212 14215 14214 14216 14205 14233 14240 14263 14264 14267 14269 14270 14272 14273 14276 14280.
Radon Problems in Buffalo Homes
When you think of health hazards in Buffalo NY, 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 Buffalo New York.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Erie County NY, 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 Buffalo. According to Belkis Blanchard, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Erie 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 Buffalo NY 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 New York, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Radon exposure results in over 22,465 deaths per year in the USA and approximately 246,520 deaths per year worldwide.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Buffalo New York
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional New York radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Erie County, NY including Buffalo and the 14211 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 Buffalo health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. The American Lung Association has established that exposure to radon is one of the greatest health threats that exist for non-smokers. 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 New York cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Buffalo NY are very common and actually increase the value of the home.