Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Royal Oak MI 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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak MI homeowners should should know:
In the year 1900, before the world knew it as radon, the cancer-causing gas that seeped into countless homes in America was known as radium emanation. In 1908, “niton” became its new name before being changed again to radon in 1923. Today, it goes by its chemical name, the symbol Rn, or the atomic number 86. 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 Royal Oak Michigan.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Cancer from radon is produced by radon daughter decay products: polonium, 3 isotopes; bismuth, 1 isotope; and lead, 3 isotopes, attaching to the cell lining and passageway leading to the lung tissue. 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 Royal Oak MI. 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 Royal Oak MI
Royal Oak is located in Oakland County Michigan. The population of Royal Oak MI and surrounding areas is 59,277. The Mayor is Michael Fournier of City of Royal Oak which is located at 211 S Williams St, Royal Oak MI 48067. The local school system is Royal Oak City School District which has the national school code of 2630300 and FIPS code of 26125183000. The median income in Royal Oak MI is $81,665 with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. The average house value is $224,647 and median rent price is $1,079. Both single family homes and rental properties in Royal Oak Michigan should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Royal Oak residents is 35.8 years old. The local post office can be found at 5150 COOLIDGE HWY, ROYAL OAK MI 48073-1001. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 42.5084 latitude, -83.1539 longitude which can precisely be found near 825 Lloyd Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073. The metropolitan market falls within the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI region and is within the 248 area code. Since Michigan radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Royal Oak MI dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Royal Oak, Michigan encompasses the following counties: Oakland and includes the following zip codes: 48067 48073 48068.
Radon Problems in Royal Oak Homes
When you think of health hazards in Royal Oak MI, 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 Royal Oak Michigan.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Oakland County MI, 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 Royal Oak. According to Debralee Gary, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Oakland 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 Royal Oak MI 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 Michigan, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. In the year 1900, before the world knew it as radon, the cancer-causing gas that seeped into countless homes in America was known as radium emanation. In 1908, “niton” became its new name before being changed again to radon in 1923. Today, it goes by its chemical name, the symbol Rn, or the atomic number 86.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Royal Oak Michigan
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Michigan radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Oakland County, MI including Royal Oak and the 48073 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 Royal Oak health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. Cancer from radon is produced by radon daughter decay products: polonium, 3 isotopes; bismuth, 1 isotope; and lead, 3 isotopes, attaching to the cell lining and passageway leading to the lung tissue. 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 Michigan cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Royal Oak MI are very common and actually increase the value of the home.