Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Lexington KY 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 Lexington 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 Lexington KY homeowners should should know:
When it comes to lowering the risk of radon gas exposure in a home, homeowners can do so by making sure to seal any cracks in the home’s foundation and investing in a quality ventilation system to purify the air. 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 Lexington Kentucky.
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 Lexington KY. 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 Lexington KY
Lexington is located in Fayette County Kentucky. The population of Lexington KY and surrounding areas is 323,152. The City Manager is Sally Hamilton of Lexington-Fayette Urban Co Government which is located at 200 E Main St, Lexington KY 40507. The local school system is Fayette County School District which has the national school code of 2101860 and FIPS code of 21067003000. The median income in Lexington KY is $57,291 with an unemployment rate of 5.1%. The average house value is $189,927 and median rent price is $896. Both single family homes and rental properties in Lexington Kentucky should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Lexington residents is 34.6 years old. The local post office can be found at 1729 Alexandria Dr, Lexington KY 40504-3111. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 38.0423 latitude, -84.4587 longitude which can precisely be found near 1260 Winchester Road, Lexington, KY 40509. The metropolitan market falls within the Lexington-Fayette, KY region and is within the 859 area code. Since Kentucky radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Lexington KY dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Lexington, Kentucky encompasses the following counties: Fayette and includes the following zip codes: 40505 40506 40508 40509 40504 40507 40502 40503 40517 40516 40513 40511 40510 40515 40514 40512 40522 40523 40524 40526 40533 40536 40544 40546 40550 40555 40574 40575 40576 40577 40578 40579 40580 40581 40582 40583 40588 40591 40598.
Radon Problems in Lexington Homes
When you think of health hazards in Lexington KY, 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 Lexington Kentucky.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Fayette County KY, 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 Lexington. According to Koryn Rodriguez, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Fayette 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 Lexington KY 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 Kentucky, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. When it comes to lowering the risk of radon gas exposure in a home, homeowners can do so by making sure to seal any cracks in the home’s foundation and investing in a quality ventilation system to purify the air.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Lexington Kentucky
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Kentucky radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Fayette County, KY including Lexington and the 40509 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 Lexington 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 Kentucky cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Lexington KY are very common and actually increase the value of the home.