Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind as a Watertown MN 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 Watertown almost never come up, but they should.
Here are some facts about radon and radon mitigation Watertown MN homeowners should should know:
Homes and buildings create a vacuum effect that can draw radon into the dwelling where is can become trapped and result in hazardous conditions for the occupants. 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 Watertown Minnesota.
Most health experts agree that exposure to radiation is toxic to the human body. When coupled with radon exposure, several things can increase an individual’s chances of developing cancer. Some of the more notable ones include the following: The concentration of radon in the home, the amount of time one spends in the home, and whether or not the person or people living within the home are current or former smokers. 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 Watertown MN. 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 Watertown MN
Watertown is located in Carver County Minnesota. The population of Watertown MN and surrounding areas is 30,588. The City Clerk is Lynn Tschudi of City of Watertown which is located at 309 Lewis Ave S Ste 1, Watertown MN 55388. The local school system is Watertown-Mayer Public School District which has the national school code of 2741910 and FIPS code of 27019090102. The median income in Watertown MN is $83,542 with an unemployment rate of 2.4%. The average house value is $100,159 and median rent price is $694. Both single family homes and rental properties in Watertown Minnesota should be tested for radon and mitigation should be performed when necessary.
The average age of Watertown residents is 36.5 years old. The local post office can be found at 212 Lewis Ave S, Watertown MN 55388-4503. The city center has the following geo coordinates: 44.9603 latitude, -93.8431 longitude which can precisely be found near 295 Pettit Street Southeast, Watertown, MN 55388. The metropolitan market falls within the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI region and is within the 952 area code. Since Minnesota radon problems are fairly common, it is important that all Watertown MN dwellings are subject to frequent radon testing and mitigation when necessary.
Watertown, Minnesota encompasses the following counties: Carver and includes the following zip codes: 55388.
Radon Problems in Watertown Homes
When you think of health hazards in Watertown MN, 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 Watertown Minnesota.
When experts conduct radon mitigation in Carver County MN, 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 Watertown. According to Genee Harden, radon gas is responsible for approximately 60 deaths each day in the United States.
The only way that you can make sure that your Carver 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 Watertown MN 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 Minnesota, radon testing and mitigation should be a routine step in home ownership. Homes and buildings create a vacuum effect that can draw radon into the dwelling where is can become trapped and result in hazardous conditions for the occupants.
More Information About Radon Mitigation in Watertown Minnesota
If you have high levels of radon in your home or workplace, you’ll need a professional Minnesota radon mitigation company to install a radon reduction system on your property. SWAT Environmental services all Carver County, MN including Watertown and the 55388 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 Watertown health authorities continue to conduct. However, most people don’t know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. When coupled with radon exposure, several things can increase an individual’s chances of developing cancer. Some of the more notable ones include the following: The concentration of radon in the home, the amount of time one spends in the home, and whether or not the person or people living within the home are current or former smokers. 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 Minnesota cities. Just remember, radon mitigation systems in Watertown MN are very common and actually increase the value of the home.