Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Columbia SC 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 Columbia 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 Columbia SC homeowners should should know:
One symptom of radon-induced cancer is unintended weight loss. 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 Columbia South Carolina.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Radon gas was originally called radium emanation. 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 Columbia SC. 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 Columbia SC
Columbia is located in Richland County South Carolina. The population of Columbia SC and surrounding areas is 131,674. The Mayor is Stephen Benjamin of City of Columbia which is located at 1737 Main St, Columbia SC 29201. The local school system is Lexington School District 5 which has the national school code of 4502820 and FIPS code of 45063021110. The median income in Columbia SC is $77,596 with an unemployment rate of 6.7%. The average house value is $179,706 and median rent price is $933. Both single family homes and rental properties in Columbia South Carolina should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Columbia residents is 28.5 years old. The local post office can be found at 6903 Saint Andrews Rd, Columbia SC 29212-1142. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 34.0376 latitude, -80.9037 longitude which can precisely be found near Columbia, SC 29207. The metropolitan market falls within the Columbia, SC region and is within the 803 area code. Since South Carolina radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Columbia SC dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Columbia, South Carolina encompasses the following counties: Richland|Lexington and includes the following zip codes: 29202 29203 29205 29201 29207 29204 29208 29209 29212 29225 29229 29147 29210 29206 29214 29215 29216 29217 29218 29220 29224 29226 29240 29250.
Radon Problems in Columbia Homes
When you think of health hazards in Columbia SC, 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 Columbia South Carolina.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Richland County SC, 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 Columbia. According to Romualdo Slaughter, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Richland 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 Columbia SC 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 South Carolina, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. One symptom of radon-induced cancer is unintended weight loss.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Columbia South Carolina
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional South Carolina radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Richland County, SC including Columbia and the 29207 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 Columbia 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 was originally called radium emanation. 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 South Carolina cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Columbia SC are very common and actually increase the value of the home.