Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee WI 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee WI
Milwaukee is located in Milwaukee County Wisconsin. The population of Milwaukee WI and surrounding areas is 590,157. The City Manager is Kim Egan of Village of West Milwaukee which is located at 4755 W Beloit Rd, Milwaukee WI 53214. The local school system is Greenfield School District which has the national school code of 5505940 and FIPS code of 55079120202. The median income in Milwaukee WI is $41,838 with an unemployment rate of 6.8%. The average house value is $121,544 and median rent price is $858. Both single family homes and rental properties in Milwaukee Wisconsin should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Milwaukee residents is 31.5 years old. The local post office can be found at 7353 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee WI 53220-3356. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 43.0642 latitude, -87.9673 longitude which can precisely be found near 2476 North Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53210. The metropolitan market falls within the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI region and is within the 414 area code. Since Wisconsin radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Milwaukee WI dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin encompasses the following counties: Milwaukee and includes the following zip codes: 53203 53202 53207 53206 53205 53204 53209 53208 53233 53211 53218 53219 53214 53215 53216 53210 53212 53213 53295 53225 53224 53227 53226 53221 53220 53223 53222 53228 53201 53237 53259 53263 53274 53278 53288 53290 53293.
Radon Problems in Milwaukee Homes
When you think of health hazards in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee Wisconsin.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. According to Melida Clark, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee County, WI including Milwaukee and the 53210 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee WI are very common and actually increase the value of the home.