Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Somerset KY 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 Somerset 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 Somerset KY homeowners should should know:
For those not as familiar with the periodic table of the elements, radon is a noble gas. And this means it does not readily form chemical compounds, thus explaining why it is colorless, odorless, and more or less invisible. 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 Somerset Kentucky.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. Just like carbon monoxide detectors, Rn detectors are worth investing in since Rn is a colorless and odorless gas that would otherwise go unnoticed. And they are not too expensive, typically running from about $174 to $220. 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 Somerset KY. 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 Somerset KY
Somerset is located in Pulaski County Kentucky. The population of Somerset KY and surrounding areas is 22,223. The Mayor is Edward Girdler of Somerset City Hall which is located at 306 E Mount Vernon St, Somerset KY 42501. The local school system is Somerset Independent School District which has the national school code of 2105430 and FIPS code of 21199930506. The median income in Somerset KY is $29,611 with an unemployment rate of 9.2%. The average house value is $118,947 and median rent price is $657. Both single family homes and rental properties in Somerset Kentucky should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Somerset residents is 40.4 years old. The local post office can be found at 299 WASHINGTON DR, SOMERSET KY 42501-2962. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 37.0815 latitude, -84.6091 longitude which can precisely be found near 195 Railroad Street, Somerset, KY 42501. The metropolitan market falls within the Somerset, KY region and is within the 606 area code. Since Kentucky radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Somerset KY dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Somerset, Kentucky encompasses the following counties: Pulaski and includes the following zip codes: 42503 42501 42533 42502 42564.
Radon Problems in Somerset Homes
When you think of health hazards in Somerset KY, 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 Somerset Kentucky.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Pulaski County KY, 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 Somerset. According to Leshonda Joyce, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Pulaski 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 Somerset KY 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 Kentucky, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. For those not as familiar with the periodic table of the elements, radon is a noble gas. And this means it does not readily form chemical compounds, thus explaining why it is colorless, odorless, and more or less invisible.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Somerset Kentucky
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Kentucky radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Pulaski County, KY including Somerset and the 42501 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 Somerset health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. Just like carbon monoxide detectors, Rn detectors are worth investing in since Rn is a colorless and odorless gas that would otherwise go unnoticed. And they are not too expensive, typically running from about $174 to $220. 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 Kentucky cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Somerset KY are very common and actually increase the value of the home.