Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Portage PA 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 Portage 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 Portage PA homeowners should should know:
Most will agree that inspecting and ridding one’s home of radon is serious business. To accomplish one or both of these tasks, homeowners would do best to hire a contractor approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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 Portage Pennsylvania.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Radon can also be present in groundwater, typically if the home’s water source is from a ground well. 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 Portage PA. 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 Portage PA
Portage is located in Cambria County Pennsylvania. The population of Portage PA and surrounding areas is 30,786. The City Manager is Robert Koban of Portage Borough-Cambria County which is located at 721 Main St, Portage PA 15946. The local school system is Portage Area School District which has the national school code of 4219560 and FIPS code of 42021013000. The median income in Portage PA is $41,410 with an unemployment rate of 7.7%. The average house value is $75,953 and median rent price is $872. Both single family homes and rental properties in Portage Pennsylvania should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Portage residents is 43.9 years old. The local post office can be found at 600 Main St, Portage PA 15946-1540. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 40.3868 latitude, -78.6746 longitude which can precisely be found near 666 Cambria Street, Portage, PA 15946. The metropolitan market falls within the Johnstown, PA region and is within the 814 area code. Since Pennsylvania radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Portage PA dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Portage, Pennsylvania encompasses the following counties: Cambria and includes the following zip codes: 15946.
Radon Problems in Portage Homes
When you think of health hazards in Portage PA, 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 Portage Pennsylvania.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Cambria County PA, 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 Portage. According to Graceanne Mcnally, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Cambria 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 Portage PA 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 Pennsylvania, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Most will agree that inspecting and ridding one’s home of radon is serious business. To accomplish one or both of these tasks, homeowners would do best to hire a contractor approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Portage Pennsylvania
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Pennsylvania radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Cambria County, PA including Portage and the 15946 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 Portage health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. Radon can also be present in groundwater, typically if the home’s water source is from a ground well. 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 Pennsylvania cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Portage PA are very common and actually increase the value of the home.