Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Richmond VA 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 Richmond 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 Richmond VA homeowners should should know:
Radon is one of the densest and heaviest known gases. According to scientists, this toxic gas is roughly nine times heavier when compared to oxygen. 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 Richmond Virginia.
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 Richmond VA. 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 Richmond VA
Richmond is located in Richmond City Virginia. The population of Richmond VA and surrounding areas is 230,436. The Executive is Mekia Lowe of Processing Office which is located at 2005 Kansas Avenue, Richmond VA 23220. The local school system is Henrico County Public Schools which has the national school code of 5101890 and FIPS code of 51087980100. The median income in Richmond VA is $47,250 with an unemployment rate of 6.5%. The average house value is $229,934 and median rent price is $1,025. Both single family homes and rental properties in Richmond Virginia should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Richmond residents is 34 years old. The local post office can be found at 5251 Air Express Rd, Richmond VA 00002-3250. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 37.5295 latitude, -77.4756 longitude which can precisely be found near 2005 Kansas Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220. The metropolitan market falls within the Richmond, VA region and is within the 804 area code. Since Virginia radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Richmond VA dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Richmond, Virginia encompasses the following counties: Richmond and includes the following zip codes: 23222 23223 23220 23221 23226 23227 23224 23225 23230 23235 23234 23219 23173 23218 23232 23249 23260 23261 23269 23274 23276 23278 23282 23284 23285 23286 23289 23290 23291 23292 23295 23298.
Radon Problems in Richmond Homes
When you think of health hazards in Richmond VA, 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 Richmond Virginia.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Richmond City VA, 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 Richmond. According to Mekia Lowe, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Richmond City 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 Richmond VA 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 Virginia, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Radon is one of the densest and heaviest known gases. According to scientists, this toxic gas is roughly nine times heavier when compared to oxygen.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Richmond Virginia
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Virginia radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Richmond City, VA including Richmond and the 23220 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 Richmond 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 Virginia cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Richmond VA are very common and actually increase the value of the home.