Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Rochester NY 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 Rochester 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 Rochester NY homeowners should should know:
Although radon sounds like a scary situation, it is a relatively easy and inexpensive problem to fix. 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 Rochester New York.
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 Rochester NY. 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 Rochester NY
Rochester is located in Monroe County New York. The population of Rochester NY and surrounding areas is 205,695. The City Clerk is Hazel Washington of Rochester City Clerks Office which is located at 30 Church St RM 300a, Rochester NY 14614. The local school system is Brighton Central School District which has the national school code of 3605460 and FIPS code of 36055012900. The median income in Rochester NY is $35,590 with an unemployment rate of 10.2%. The average house value is $82,448 and median rent price is $848. Both single family homes and rental properties in Rochester New York should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Rochester residents is 32 years old. The local post office can be found at 1900 CLINTON AVE S # 25, ROCHESTER NY 14618-9998. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 43.168 latitude, -77.6162 longitude which can precisely be found near 99 Martin Street, Rochester, NY 14605. The metropolitan market falls within the Rochester, NY region and is within the 585 area code. Since New York radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Rochester NY dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Rochester, New York encompasses the following counties: Monroe and includes the following zip codes: 14608 14609 14606 14604 14605 14607 14627 14620 14621 14619 14615 14614 14617 14611 14610 14613 14612 14602 14603 14638 14639 14642 14643 14644 14646 14647 14649 14650 14651 14653.
Radon Problems in Rochester Homes
When you think of health hazards in Rochester NY, 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 Rochester New York.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Monroe County NY, 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 Rochester. According to Rittany Robles, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Monroe 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 Rochester NY 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 New York, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Although radon sounds like a scary situation, it is a relatively easy and inexpensive problem to fix.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Rochester New York
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional New York radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Monroe County, NY including Rochester and the 14605 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 Rochester 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 New York cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Rochester NY are very common and actually increase the value of the home.