Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Jefferson GA 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson GA homeowners should should know:
Radon levels that measure 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher are considered elevated and can have devastating health consequences for those exposed to it. For context, a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked exposure to radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. 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 Jefferson Georgia.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. In the year 1900, before the world knew it as radon, the cancer-causing gas that seeped into countless homes in America was known as radium emanation. In 1908, “niton” became its new name before being changed again to radon in 1923. Today, it goes by its chemical name, the symbol Rn, or the atomic number 86. 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 Jefferson GA. 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 Jefferson GA
Jefferson is located in Jackson County Georgia. The population of Jefferson GA and surrounding areas is 22,248. The Mayor is Doug Haynie of Arcade City Hall which is located at 3325 Athens Hwy, Jefferson GA 30549. The local school system is Jefferson City School District which has the national school code of 1303030 and FIPS code of 13157010706. The median income in Jefferson GA is $58,451 with an unemployment rate of 3%. The average house value is $202,744 and median rent price is $729. Both single family homes and rental properties in Jefferson Georgia should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Jefferson residents is 35.2 years old. The local post office can be found at 216 Lee St, Jefferson GA 30549-9998. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 34.1373 latitude, -83.6021 longitude which can precisely be found near 2225 Ushy 129 North, Jefferson, GA. The metropolitan market falls within the Jefferson, GA region and is within the 706 area code. Since Georgia radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Jefferson GA dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Jefferson, Georgia encompasses the following counties: Jackson and includes the following zip codes: 30549.
Radon Problems in Jefferson Homes
When you think of health hazards in Jefferson GA, 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 Jefferson Georgia.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Jackson County GA, 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 Jefferson. According to Markeyta Kohler, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Jackson 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 Jefferson GA 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 Georgia, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Radon levels that measure 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher are considered elevated and can have devastating health consequences for those exposed to it. For context, a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked exposure to radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Jefferson Georgia
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Georgia radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Jackson County, GA including Jefferson and the 30549 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 Jefferson health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. In the year 1900, before the world knew it as radon, the cancer-causing gas that seeped into countless homes in America was known as radium emanation. In 1908, “niton” became its new name before being changed again to radon in 1923. Today, it goes by its chemical name, the symbol Rn, or the atomic number 86. 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 Georgia cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Jefferson GA are very common and actually increase the value of the home.