The Health Risks of Radon in Dayton & Columbus, Ohio Communities

What You Need to Know About the Dangers of Radon

  1. Radon concerns are NOT false. It is an actual dangerous radioactive gas listed in the Scientific Table of Elements along with all the other radioactive substances.
  2. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. It is actually more deadly than second-hand smoke.
  3. Radon causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Almost 3,000 of those deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
  4. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon

Radon Presence in Ohio

Radon is a clear and present health hazard and that can’t be detected without proper testing.  It is an odorless, colorless gas whose presence puts you and your family in jeopardy because the effects of radon exposure can be severe, especially on children.

In Ohio, Radon is a very Major problem.  As this map, created by the EPA, shows, most of Ohio has very high levels of the gas (shown in red.) Franklin, Delaware & Montgomery Counties average DOUBLE the EPA max level of concern, and some of the highest measurements on record have been in the thousands in Ohio! Even those areas that aren’t totally high are still high enough to be of concern.

Radon is a dense gas that tends to settle in the lowest available space, so those who sleep or spend a lot of time on the lowest levels of your home (first floor or basement) are at the highest risk.

Why Do You Need Radon Testing?

Because radon gas is odorless, colorless, and has no taste You’ll never know that radon is in your home unless you have it tested.  Just because no one has had your home tested and it is older means nothing. 

The effects can be felt within a few months or as long as 25 years after exposure.

The radioactive emissions damage cells that will take 44 years for 75% of radon inhaled to become harmless. But the remaining 25% can affect your health even after that period.  Prolonged Exposure increases the changes for greater danger.

Radon Gas Symptoms
Radon gas exposure affects the respiratory system, with symptoms that can take years to develop but are irreversible. 

The most common symptoms are:

• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

EPA Bulletin 2009b

The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is estimated at between 10 to 20 times greater for persons who smoke cigarettes compared to those who never smoked.

EPA News Release 2003

Exposure to high radon levels is the leading environmental cause of death in the United States

EPA estimates that at its recommended guideline of 4 pCi/L, the risk of developing lung cancer is based on exposure factors:

Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks!

Get Your home tested by Airduct Cleaning & Radon Co to find out whether your family, tenants or employees are at risk for radon poisoning.

Now is the Time to Check for Radon

Between the winter weather and the on-going COVID-19 restrictions, you’re bound to be staying in your house quite a bit over the next few months. What many don’t realize is that there are often hidden dangers hiding in your home. Some of them may even be in the air you’re breathing. 

One of the most dangerous substances that makes its way into homes’ air supplies is radon. This odorless gas is safe in small doses. At higher levels, however, it becomes a serious threat to your health and safety. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. 

If you haven’t had your home checked for radon, now is the time to do it. Testing is simple and highly affordable. If you’re radon levels are too high, professional mitigation can bring it down to normal and keep your family safe.  

For radon inspections and mitigation in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today! 

How Does Radon Get into Your Home? 

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that’s found in most our planet’s air. That means radon is likely already inside of your home. Don’t be too alarmed, however. As we said before, in small doses, radon is harmless. But left unchecked, this radioactive element can be very hazardous to your health.  

Excess radon can enter your home in a number of ways including through walls, seams, sump pumps, concrete, and more. Basements are often most susceptible to radon buildup, as they tend to have less airflow. However, just because you don’t have a basement doesn’t mean you’re safe from radon. 

Every structure is at risk of radon poisoning, which means every structure needs to have its radon levels checked. It’s estimated that 1 in 15 US homes have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended level.  About 21,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by radon every year. 

One simple test can assure you that your family, friends, coworkers, etc. are safe from the harmful effects of radon. If you’re in the Miami Valley area, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today to get your home tested for radon. 

 

How Does Radon Get into Your Home?

Radon, in case you didn’t know, is a colorless, odorless gas that’s found in almost all air around you. While trace amounts are harmless, high concentrations can be dangerous. In fact, radon is the number one cause for lung cancer among non-smokers. 

The EPA estimates that around 21,000 people die from radon-related lung cancer each year. 

The most at-risk place for radon poisoning is in your very home. But how does radon reach dangerous levels inside your home? 

How Radon Builds Up in Your Home 

Radon develops from uranium decay in soil, rock, and water. It then rises from the ground and into the air. When it releases outdoors, it spreads around, causing no harm. When it gets inside a building, however, it becomes concentrated. 

One of the most common ways radon gets into your home is through cracks and holes in your foundation. Radon leaves the ground and seeps straight into your home. It can also come through walls, seams, crawl spaces, sump pumps, porous materials like brick or concrete, and more. 

For homes with basements, radon is typically at its highest there. However, radon can still pose a risk to homes without basements. Any home can have radon problems. It doesn’t matter if it’s new or old. Whether it has a basement or not. Radon can seep in from the ground, build up, and cause fatal problems. 

Don’t assume your home is safe. Have it inspected so you can know that it is. A radon test is a cheap and simple procedure that could save the lives of you or your family members. If your radon levels are too high, a simple mitigation process can bring things down to normal. 

For radon mitigation in Dayton, Ohio and the rest of the Miami Valley, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today! 

What to Do Before Finishing Your Basement

A basement is a wonderful, cozy, multipurpose space. At least, it is if it’s finished. But many homes come with basements that are pretty bare bones: cement walls, cement floors, poor lighting, damp air, etc. It’s understandable as a homeowner to be eager to get things finalized so you can start utilizing the space. 

But before you do that, there a few important steps to take and items to consider. 

Protect Against Flooding 

Basements, even newer ones, can be at risk of flooding. Before you start placing new and expensive items down there, make sure you’re protected. Check for cracks in walls. Inspect gutters outside. Install a sump pump, if necessary. Any machines down there, such as water heaters and washing machines, should be inspected for leaks. 

If you’re still seeing water getting into your basement, make sure the ground around your home isn’t sloping towards your house. 

Control Moisture 

Even if you have your basement safe from flooding, moisture can still get down there. Purchasing a dehumidifier is a great way to help control that, but it’s not the only thing you can do. If you’re covering up pipes with new walls and panels, you may want to insulate them first to help against condensation. You may also want to avoid traditional drywall, which can easily attract mold in damp locations.  

Instead, purchase non-paper alternatives that are mold and moisture resistant.  If you due use drywall, use a wood frame with foam insulation that creates separation between the foundation walls and the drywall. 

Consider Soundproofing the Ceiling 

If you’re planning on using your basement for entertainment (or as a place to tuck away your children), a little sound reduction can go a long way.  

Adding some soundproof insulation above the ceiling tiles can make a big difference in cutting down both airborne and impact noise. The same goes for acoustic panels, though even some fluffy rugs and carpet can do a pretty good job. Lastly, make sure doors and windows are properly sealed. 

Check to See if a Permit is Needed 

When making major renovations in and around your home, it never hurts to check with the city inspector. Depending on what you’re having done, you may need a permit. If electric and plumbing are involved, you’ll likely need to have an inspector come. 

Check for Radon 

While radon is a common element found in almost all air, it can be dangerous at high levels. In fact, the EPA estimates that radon causes over 200,000 deaths from lung cancer every year. Nearly 1 in 15 homes have excess radon. If you’re home has a basement, that’s likely where radon levels are the highest. 

That’s not to say radon only affects homes with basements. It can also seep through slab foundations, as well as crawlspaces.  

Whether you havea basement or not, if your home hasn’t been tested for radon, it’s very important that you have it tested immediately. For radon mitigation in Springfield, Ohio and the surrounding cities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today! 

Health Risks Hiding in Your Home

Your home should be a place of comfort and safety, but that doesn’t happen automatically. Keeping your home safe and cozy requires some work. It starts with keeping it cleaned and orderly.  

But even if everything appears to be in order, there can still be dangers lurking in your home. Here are a few hazardous items that may be hiding in your home. 

Bacteria 

Bacteria is all around us, and despite its reputation, that’s not all bad. In fact, a lot of bacteria is quite good for you. On the other hand, there’s bacteria that can cause you serious harm if left unchecked. The main source of harmful bacteria in your home comes from food. 

Rotten and expired food are highly susceptible to bad bacteria. If you’re ever uncertain whether or not something is “still good”, it’s best to just toss it out. It’s a good idea to get in a regular weekly habit of checking items in your fridge and throwing out anything that’s outdated.  

Not only will this keep you safe, but it will leave you with a more spacious fridge. 

That said, it’s not just old food that you need to worry about. Raw food like uncooked meat or eggs can contain salmonella or E. coli, which are incredibly dangerous. Always make sure that food is properly cooked.  

Clean up any dishes, utensils, or surfaces that come into contact with food as well. 

Mold 

While food and dirty dishes are a common source of mold in homes, they aren’t the only way this fungus can enter your home. Mold thrives where it’s dark and moist, which means it’s usually in places you don’t regularly see. 

This could be in basements, behind laundry machines, in air ducts, etc. Periodically check through your home for places where mold could form, and have your air ducts cleaned regularly.  

Lead 

While lead is no longer used in household products, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, lead based paint was used still used in the late 70’s, and lead was used for plumbing soldering as recent as 1985. If you live in a home that was built before then, it’s a good idea to have it inspected for lead. 

Lead can be toxic when ingested, and often, the effects aren’t immediately apparent. 

Carbon Monoxide 

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can cause sickness and even death. It’s also highly flammable. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it’s odorless, so you can’t tell when it’s in the air. Always make sure to keep your oven shut off. Have your heating and water systems regularly inspected to ensure no leaks are occurring. 

Also make sure that you have CO detectors in your home, and that they’re actually working. 

Radon 

Carbon monoxide isn’t the only odorless gas you need to worry about being present in your home. Radon is a natural gas that’s found in the air around you. Though a small amount of radon is perfectly harmless, higher levels can be very dangerous.  

In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, contributing to 20,000 deaths per year. 

Radon can build up in enclosed spaces like a home. In fact, almost 1 in every 15 homes have radon levels that are too high. 

The only way to know if you’re safe is to have your home tested. If your levels are too high, you’ll need your home mitigated. For radon mitigation in Ohio, contact Air Duct Cleaning company today. We’ll help keep your home safe and comfortable.