Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Charlotte NC 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte NC homeowners should should know:
Problems with radon have been detected in every county in the United States. Every home should be assessed regardless of geographic location. 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 Charlotte North Carolina.
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 Charlotte NC. 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 Charlotte NC
Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County North Carolina. The population of Charlotte NC and surrounding areas is 885,708. The Mayor is Jennifer Roberts of Charlotte City Hall which is located at 600 E 4th St, Charlotte NC 28202. The local school system is Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools which has the national school code of 3702970 and FIPS code of 37119000104. The median income in Charlotte NC is $62,817 with an unemployment rate of 5%. The average house value is $220,191 and median rent price is $1,135. Both single family homes and rental properties in Charlotte North Carolina should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Charlotte residents is 34.2 years old. The local post office can be found at 100 N Tryon St, Charlotte NC 28202-2135. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 35.208 latitude, -80.8304 longitude which can precisely be found near 723 Morgan Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28204. The metropolitan market falls within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC region and is within the 704 area code. Since North Carolina radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Charlotte NC dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Charlotte, North Carolina encompasses the following counties: Mecklenburg and includes the following zip codes: 28269 28262 28105 28280 28282 28209 28208 28205 28204 28207 28206 28203 28202 28227 28226 28278 28270 28273 28277 28134 28216 28217 28214 28215 28212 28213 28210 28211 28244 28126 28130 28201 28218 28219 28220 28221 28222 28223 28224 28228 28229 28230 28231 28232 28233 28234 28235 28237 28241 28242 28243 28246 28247 28253 28254 28255 28256 28258 28260 28263 28265 28266 28271 28272 28274 28275 28281 28284 28285 28287 28288 28289 28290 28296 28297 28299.
Radon Problems in Charlotte Homes
When you think of health hazards in Charlotte NC, 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 Charlotte North Carolina.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Mecklenburg County NC, 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 Charlotte. According to Regino Tran, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Mecklenburg 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 Charlotte NC 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 North Carolina, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Problems with radon have been detected in every county in the United States. Every home should be assessed regardless of geographic location.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Charlotte North Carolina
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional North Carolina radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Mecklenburg County, NC including Charlotte and the 28204 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 Charlotte 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 North Carolina cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Charlotte NC are very common and actually increase the value of the home.