Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Comstock Park MI 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 Comstock Park almost never come up, but they should.
Here are some facts about radon and radon mitigation Comstock Park MI homeowners should should know:
Because Rn is a noble gas, it does not harm indoor plants. However, plants can’t remove radon from the atmosphere as they can do with carbon dioxide. 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 Comstock Park Michigan.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Radon is one of the densest and heaviest known gases. According to scientists, this toxic gas is roughly nine times heavier when compared to oxygen. 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 Comstock Park MI. 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 Comstock Park MI
Comstock Park is located in Kent County Michigan. The population of Comstock Park MI and surrounding areas is 22,168. The City Clerk is Jean Wahlfield of Alpine Township which is located at 5255 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park MI 49321. The local school system is Comstock Park Public Schools which has the national school code of 2610620 and FIPS code of 26081011406. The median income in Comstock Park MI is $46,677 with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. The average house value is $151,521 and median rent price is $821. Both single family homes and rental properties in Comstock Park Michigan should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Comstock Park residents is 35.1 years old. The local post office can be found at 3913 LELAND AVE NW, COMSTOCK PARK MI 49321-5027. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 43.0438 latitude, -85.6779 longitude which can precisely be found near 385 Lamoreaux Drive Northwest, Alpine Township, MI 49321. The metropolitan market falls within the Grand Rapids-Kentwood, MI region and is within the 616 area code. Since Michigan radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Comstock Park MI dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Comstock Park, Michigan encompasses the following counties: Kent and includes the following zip codes: 49321.
Radon Problems in Comstock Park Homes
When you think of health hazards in Comstock Park MI, 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 Comstock Park Michigan.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Kent County MI, 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 Comstock Park. According to Brettany Eddy, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Kent 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 Comstock Park MI 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 Michigan, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Because Rn is a noble gas, it does not harm indoor plants. However, plants can’t remove radon from the atmosphere as they can do with carbon dioxide.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Comstock Park Michigan
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Michigan radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Kent County, MI including Comstock Park and the 49321 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 Comstock Park 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 one of the densest and heaviest known gases. According to scientists, this toxic gas is roughly nine times heavier when compared to oxygen. 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 Michigan cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Comstock Park MI are very common and actually increase the value of the home.