Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Portland OR 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 Portland 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 Portland OR 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 Portland Oregon.
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 Portland OR. 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 Portland OR
Portland is located in Clackamas County Oregon. The population of Portland OR and surrounding areas is 654,741. The Mayor is Ted Wheeler of Portland City Offices which is located at 1221 SW 4th Ave RM 340, Portland OR 97204. The local school system is Beaverton School District 48J which has the national school code of 4101920 and FIPS code of 41067031507. The median income in Portland OR is $71,005 with an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The average house value is $411,882 and median rent price is $1,248. Both single family homes and rental properties in Portland Oregon should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Portland residents is 37.1 years old. The local post office can be found at 12675 NW Cornell Rd, Portland OR 97229-5809. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 45.5372 latitude, -122.65 longitude which can precisely be found near Irvington Historic District, 2022 Northeast Hancock Street, Portland, OR 97213-1422. The metropolitan market falls within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA region and is within the 503 area code. Since Oregon radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Portland OR dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Portland, Oregon encompasses the following counties: Multnomah|Washington|Clackamas and includes the following zip codes: 97227 97221 97220 97229 97203 97202 97201 97206 97205 97204 97209 97208 97266 97218 97236 97232 97233 97230 97239 97219 97214 97215 97216 97217 97210 97211 97212 97213 97207 97228 97238 97240 97242 97250 97251 97252 97253 97254 97256 97280 97282 97283 97286 97290 97291 97292 97293 97294.
Radon Problems in Portland Homes
When you think of health hazards in Portland OR, 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 Portland Oregon.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Clackamas County OR, 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 Portland. According to Markey Owens, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Clackamas 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 Portland OR 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 Oregon, 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 Portland Oregon
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Oregon radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Clackamas County, OR including Portland and the 97213 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 Portland 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 Oregon cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Portland OR are very common and actually increase the value of the home.