Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Harpers Ferry WV 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 Harpers Ferry 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 Harpers Ferry WV homeowners should should know:
Contrary to popular belief, radon can invade older and newer homes alike. 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 Harpers Ferry West Virginia.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. If you live in a home contaminated with radon and you’re a smoker, quitting can help lower your chances of developing Rn-related lung cancer. 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 Harpers Ferry WV. 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 Harpers Ferry WV
Harpers Ferry is located in Jefferson County West Virginia. The population of Harpers Ferry WV and surrounding areas is 30,156. The City Manager is Laura Whittington of Town of Bolivar which is located at 60 Panama St, Harpers Ferry WV 25425. The local school system is Jefferson County School District which has the national school code of 5400570 and FIPS code of 54037972601. The median income in Harpers Ferry WV is $59,844 with an unemployment rate of 8.7%. The average house value is $326,441 and median rent price is $978. Both single family homes and rental properties in Harpers Ferry West Virginia should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Harpers Ferry residents is 49.7 years old. The local post office can be found at 1010 WASHINGTON ST, HARPERS FERRY WV 25425-7200. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 39.3251 latitude, -77.7409 longitude which can precisely be found near 39 Storer College Place, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. The metropolitan market falls within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV region and is within the 304 area code. Since West Virginia radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Harpers Ferry WV dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia encompasses the following counties: Jefferson and includes the following zip codes: 25425.
Radon Problems in Harpers Ferry Homes
When you think of health hazards in Harpers Ferry WV, 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 Harpers Ferry West Virginia.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Jefferson County WV, 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 Harpers Ferry. According to Lashaunta Ngo, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Jefferson 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 Harpers Ferry WV 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 West Virginia, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Contrary to popular belief, radon can invade older and newer homes alike.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Harpers Ferry West Virginia
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional West Virginia radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Jefferson County, WV including Harpers Ferry and the 25425 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 Harpers Ferry health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. If you live in a home contaminated with radon and you’re a smoker, quitting can help lower your chances of developing Rn-related lung cancer. 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 West Virginia cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Harpers Ferry WV are very common and actually increase the value of the home.