Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Elkhorn WI 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 Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn WI homeowners should should know:
While typically found in basements due to its proximity to rock, soil, and groundwater containing radioactive metals, it can start and travel to other parts of a home. In fact, it is not uncommon for homes in some parts of the U.S. to have a high concentration of radon in the living room, family room, kitchen, or even attic. 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 Elkhorn Wisconsin.
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 Elkhorn WI. 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 Elkhorn WI
Elkhorn is located in Walworth County Wisconsin. The population of Elkhorn WI and surrounding areas is 22,150. The City Manager is Samuel Tapson of City of Elkhorn which is located at 9 S Broad St, Elkhorn WI 53121. The local school system is Elkhorn Area School District which has the national school code of 5504290 and FIPS code of 55127000901. The median income in Elkhorn WI is $54,475 with an unemployment rate of 2.5%. The average house value is $177,650 and median rent price is $834. Both single family homes and rental properties in Elkhorn Wisconsin should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Elkhorn residents is 37.3 years old. The local post office can be found at 102 E Walworth St, Elkhorn WI 53121-1749. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 42.6711 latitude, -88.5377 longitude which can precisely be found near 5 South Wright Street, Elkhorn, WI. The metropolitan market falls within the Whitewater, WI region and is within the 262 area code. Since Wisconsin radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Elkhorn WI dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Elkhorn, Wisconsin encompasses the following counties: Walworth and includes the following zip codes: 53121.
Radon Problems in Elkhorn Homes
When you think of health hazards in Elkhorn WI, 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 Elkhorn Wisconsin.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Walworth County WI, 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 Elkhorn. According to Ilse Estrada, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Walworth 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 Elkhorn WI 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 Wisconsin, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. While typically found in basements due to its proximity to rock, soil, and groundwater containing radioactive metals, it can start and travel to other parts of a home. In fact, it is not uncommon for homes in some parts of the U.S. to have a high concentration of radon in the living room, family room, kitchen, or even attic.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Elkhorn Wisconsin
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Wisconsin radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Walworth County, WI including Elkhorn and the 53121 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 Elkhorn 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 Wisconsin cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Elkhorn WI are very common and actually increase the value of the home.