SWAT Environmental

Radon is a naturally produced radioactive gas that can enter your home at any time. It increases the risk of developing lung cancer when people are exposed to high concentrations over the course of months or years. Fortunately, SWAT Environmental specializes in radon mitigation and testing for residential and commercial properties. They can use advanced tools and techniques to lower radioactive gas levels. You need to know how SWAT Environmental can handle radon problems in your home or business. Radon testing is the first step your home inspector SWAT Environmental will take. This process can be done quickly at first to determine if you have an immediate problem and require radon remediation. A longer radon testing process will provide results that are more accurate, if time permits. Testing will show just how serious the problem is in your home. When results above 2.7pCi/L, you should strongly consider a radon mitigation system from S.W.A.T. Results below a specific threshold show that radon abatement might not be required at the moment. However, many citizens choose to have the radon mitigation system installed even when the readings are marginal since the units not only reduce radon levels, but also improve overall air quality within the dwelling.


Saturday, June 13, 2015

The Immense Hazards Caused by Vapor Intrusion



You may not know what vapor intrusion is and what it means but I will cover all that in this article. Vapor intrusion is a toxic chemical that migrates through soil gas or water and contaminates the air which can make people ill. In this article you will learn what vapor intrusion really is along with related topics. 

Let's start off with mitigation and how it can prevent another natural disaster. Mitigation provides useful assistance to help whoever plans for the next disaster to come. When vapor intrusion occurs they are there to help. With different programs that work with the mitigation plan can help prevent future chemical pollution. 

Another issue is soil gas which are toxins in the soil. Sometimes those air pockets can release carbon dioxide. The oxygen will allow for respiration to the plant roots and soil organism. The soil gas that is underneath buildings that contain vapor intrusion is very hazardous. It is a concerning matter when the soil gas is contained with radon and methane gases. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that causes cancer to many people because of vapor intrusion. This gas is odorless, tasteless, and you cannot see it. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this generation. This gas is found generally in schools and layered buildings. Radon can be released by vapor intrusion underneath building which occupants will inhale the gases. Treating this method would be done by remediation as they are concerned about the environment and human health.

Remediation is known for cleaning up any hazardous materials and treating chemicals or toxic spills when vapor intrusion occurs. There are many ways remediation cleans up contaminated area. They make sure to remove and treat any area. Remediation reduces any vapor intrusion from happening in the future. 

Vapor intrusion has been a serious matter for a long time now and with newer technology they are able to control these situations. Scientists have figured out how to treat the matter and preventing the next disaster to happen. Anything to help human health mitigation is there. Vapor intrusion is becoming less of an issue but they are still working very hard to take care of all hazardous materials and toxic substances. 

There is an extraction system that provides and prevents vapor intrusion. The majority of vapor intrusion occurs when contaminants are released in to the air. The extraction system diminishes all contaminants and can provide services to different building types. This method is very effective and reduces any gases or chemicals to reoccur. The extraction system is designed to prevent vapor intrusion and to treat the area that is contaminated. 

Although there is a lot more to cover and more details on the subject, You can do some research about vapor intrusion and the extraction system. Just type queries in your search engine and review the results. There are a lot of resources out there to answer any questions you might have on vapor intrusion. These people strive for human health and to prevent hazardous chemicals polluting our air. Just remember if you hear anything about vapor intrusion or a chemical spill, there is help to call.

Monday, June 1, 2015

How Tobacco Causes Cancer

Cancer in the lungs from smoking and radon

Tobacco is one of the things that sadly are still used by too many members of our society. It is one of the items that cause cancer. Even though levels of smoking have steadily decreased, smoking related deaths continue to occur. Radon is one of the elements that naturally occurs in the environment and may contribute to carcinogens in cancer.

There are a number of things that are known carcinogens and tobacco is one of them, radon is another. Radon is one of the elements you need to understand it is just here in the ground, and the radioactivity is in the soil. In addition, unfortunately, there are over 7,000 chemicals that are involved in cancer production. Some of the more common chemical additives are listed here: Cyanide, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Methanol, Acetylene, and Ammonia.

These are all additives that are put into tobacco. Most probably the fact that tobacco causes cancer is due to the additives that are put in the cigars during the processing of the material. Some of the items that are put in cigars include the above. Radon is the gas that can cause cancer. As mentioned, there are way too many chemicals that are added to tobacco products and may contribute to cancer rates.

Tobacco in itself absorbs radiation from the ground so it has some cancer issues within itself. It is just one of the products that no one needs although it has been used for centuries in various forms. The variety and type of tobacco is not important it all causes cancer.

This is the information t you will find when doing research on tobacco products. These are the harmful products that have a wide variety carcinogens added. These are the important pieces of information that need to be understood when looking at the causal link between smoking and cancer. They are well linked.

Tobacco in and of itself is carcinogenic as small parts of radioactive materials are found in the soil. This is what makes it carcinogenic as well. Radioactive particles build up in the lungs over time. This is what may cause cancers to form. Likewise, some people have a problem with radon which is a natural element in the soil and is responsible for 14,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Radon an odorless and colorless gas is one of the naturally occurring elements in nature consequently those who smoke and also are exposed to radon have a huge risk and may develop cancer in their lifetime. It is one of the elements that you need to test for in your home. The combination of radon and smoking is one of the well linked cancer causes in the world.

It would behoove everyone to stay away from tobacco and especially if they are uncertain whether or not they may have other problems emanating from the soil. Make sure to get the radon testing done you need. It is one of the many options that you need to take advantage of and use to keep your family safe in a world that has naturally and artificially induced dangers.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Most Common Causes of Cancer for Middle-Age Women

Female Health

Why Radon Should Be Considered As a Cancer Risk to Women


It takes women by surprise. Cancer is one of the most dreaded diagnoses that a lady can receive. There are many different types of cancer, but radon is one of the most common causes of this disease that most people don't even consider. Sure, breast, uterine and other forms of cancer take center stage, but radon should also be a huge consideration in what actually fed the cancerous cells.

Because radon is an odorless radioactive gas, a woman may not even know that the area that she is in is problematic. The outside area has low levels that are naturally in the air. This is due in part to the fact that rotting of elements like thorium and uranium. This takes place in the soil. This gas has no odor, no taste and is completely invisible. Yet, it is able to seep through the ground and into the homes of those that live in geographical locations with high activity. Women are susceptible to this type of gas, and it is known to cause cancer.

Radon causes lung cancer. This is because it is breathed into the body and lodges into the lungs. Here the gas lodges and causes cancerous cells to mutate. Radon can come from a well that supplies the home with water, or it is especially known to be in homes that have a basement structure. The basement is close to the ground and it is easier to absorb these mineral gases through the floors.

Studies in women and men have shown that nearly 20,000 die each year due to radon exposure. Though the cancer can spread to other areas, women may not find the root cause from the lungs. This is why so many women say that they have lung cancer but never smoked a day in their lives. It is not because of cigarette smoke, but rather the radon gasses they have inhaled and haven't known about.

There is a way for women to reduce their risk and their families by doing testing on their home. Some areas tend to be a little more prone to higher levels than others. This is nothing that someone did or didn't do, but rather caused from the contents deep within the area of the earth they live on. Public awareness is the key to helping women become aware of the risk of radon cancer, and take preventative measures.

It is dangerous because you can't see it or taste it, but it can still be lurking inside the home and causing destruction within the human body. There are several people who will pass from cancer and never know what the root cause was. The EPA is helping to devise plans to increase awareness about this deadly gas. While the news brings a great deal of attention to breast, pancreatic and lung cancers, not very many discuss the root causes of these diseases that can be prevented.

It is imperative to check the home for radon. It doesn't matter if it is a new home, one that is 100 years old, or even one that is out in the country by itself. It's the ground that matters and what's deep in the earth can be deadly for women, men, and children alike.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

The Radioactive Contamination Epidemic Fracking Has Caused

Natural Gas Drilling Rigs

Introduction to Natural Gas and Radon


The process of fracking, or Hydraulic fracturing, is a way of releasing natural gas or oil from inside the Earth by drilling and then injecting very high pressure fluid into the well, deep underground to fracture shale rock, releasing the natural gas or oil. Fracking can also be used to recover crude oil petroleum, and even to release geothermal energy from very deep sources. Currently, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have energy companies that practice fracking as part of their energy production strategies.

History


The first operational and economically successful natural gas fracking well was drilled in 1950. The fracking process was experimented with as early as 1947. Over 2.5 million fracking sites had been created, worldwide, for natural gas and oil wells by the year 2012, at least a million sites in the U.S. alone.

Process


The fracking process is complex and requires some fairly advanced science to be applied carefully in order to succeed with desired results. The fracking liquid is a specific mix of water, sand, and some proprietary chemicals. It is injected into the bore of a well, usually at least a few hundred feet down, creating overwhelming pressure that causes shale rock layers to shatter. Once the shale rock is broken, it releases natural gas or petroleum back to the surface. When the high-pressure fluid is removed from the well opening, tiny clusters of the fracturing components, usually sand or aluminum oxide stays to keep the network of subterranean fractures open in the shale.

Fracking engineers study the well bore's sides to determine many characteristics particular to each fracking site. The depth level, rock density, and orientation of stress fractures are used to infer the dimensions of shale-holding natural gas sources. Seismology is employed to study micro seismic events, or tiny earthquakes, caused by the hydraulic pressure to map the height and width of a fracturing site. These micro-earthquakes have a very small magnitude level, too small to be detected at the surface, but are crucial to charting accurate maps of each site.

Controversy


Fracking is a controversial practice that proponents claim benefits the economy too significantly to be stopped by its many negative side effects. They say fracking produces the extremely valuable natural gas and oil needed to make our industries strong. Opponents to fracking disagree, claiming that the impacts on the environment counter any benefits. These impacts include contaminated ground water, radon air pollution, ground surface pollution, and over-depletion of fresh water. They say all these hazards to the environment combined with threats to public health are reasons enough to ban fracking for natural gas. They also claim damaging seismic activity has taken place because of fracking's effects on once unknown tectonic fault lines.

Another related issue in fracking, is the brine solution recovered at the surface of fracking wells, sometimes contains the radioactive minerals radon, radium, uranium, and thorium. Animals and humans exposed to the radiation experience long-term effects on health. Radon in particular is well known to cause lung cancer in humans. The issue of radon is exacerbated because it is somewhat soluble in water, thus spreading the areas of contamination at the surface.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Radon Resistant New Construction

Passive Radon System in New Home
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that is also invisible. Radon can only be detected by using proper equipment. The decay of radium in the soil causes radon. Radon is considered a radioactive noble gas. Chronic exposure to high radon levels has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer. This is why radon testing is so crucial. There are certain techniques that are used efficiently to reduce radon such as radon testing. Radon can be reduced this is why it is important to have radon testing in homes and when building a new house. Radon testing is affordable and should be done to ensure the safety of you and your family.

When building a house there are rules and special protocols that must be constructed to build a new home. Radon testing is a requirement. When building a new home it is crucial to make sure that soil entry points are sealed. Radon must be vented outdoors. There is a passive radon system that does not require fans or energy to move the gas in the air. By reducing soil gas and placing piping to allow proper ventilation so the harmful gas dos not accumulate. A vertical pipe connects to a t-shaped pipe in the slab and it also connects to a vent. This vent can run through the roof to allow ventilation of radon and other harmful gases safely. The pipe is usually ran about twelve inches above the roof. This is called a passive radon system.

Radon resistant new construction has been receiving more attention from the federal and state agencies. This is because radon resistant new construction refers to process of constructing a home for future radon systems to be placed. Radon resistant new construction allows contractors to place in radon systems before the slab is even poured. The radon resistant new construction helps to save lives by reducing radon within homes. Radon resistant new construction is updating their standards with the EPA.

A passive radon system can be installed by a professional. They also guarantee that a passive radon system will reduce radon levels within a home. If a pipe is not properly installed then a passive radon system will not work properly. This is why it is extremely important to hire a professional. All installers must follow EPA radon guidelines when installing a passive radon system.

Radon mitigation is the process of getting rid of radon gases. The first step to radon mitigation is to test and see if the radon levels need to be reduced. Ventilation is a form of radon mitigation. Radon mitigation can also test water supplies for contamination. Kits for radon mitigation are available but it is ideal to let professionals handle any concerns you may have.

According to the World Health Organization Radon Program, systems can be either passive or an active. Active radon mitigation consists of four elements. If you have an active radon mitigation system it is a good idea to have a professional test your home periodically. Active radon mitigation uses a blower that constantly pulls out air. A monitor verifies proper ventilation in active radon mitigation. To bring down radon levels have a passive or active radon mitigation installed.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Radon Levels in Caves Could be Hazardous

Radon Levels in Caves

Uranium can be detected on earth as far back as six billion years ago. While it is one of the heaviest metals its structure does not allow it to penetrate the earth's crust, so it remains on the surface. Radon naturally occurs when uranium decays and turns into an odorless and colorless gas that is released into the air. Radon is one of the heaviest metals that remain a gas under normal environmental circumstances. Naturally-occurring radiation is responsible for over 50% of the earth’s heat, even though it is crucial in providing a large proportion of the world’s electricity, it does have fatal side effects. 


Normally, radon levels in natural environments, such as caves, are very low because the gas escapes into the air. This process is inhibited when the radon is trapped inside of caves, allowing levels to rise to a dangerous point. Because they are rich in uranium ore, caves are littered with fragmented pockets that disperse this gas and raising radon to deadly levels. When caves are located near silicic volcanic rocks or areas frequented by earthquakes, they have naturally occurring higher levels of radon gas. 

With a lack of ventilation, long term exposure to high levels of radon in caves can be deadly. This health hazard was discovered in the 1940’s and 50’s during peak production times in mines, not only with uranium but other hard rock materials as well. These miners had significantly higher incidences of lung cancer deaths which led to improved ventilation in the mines in an attempt at lowering radon gas levels. Many countries have done studies to determine the possible health hazards of exposure to high levels of radon in caves. The U.S. participated in these tests due to concern for some of the highest levels of radon occurring through the middle and upper parts of Northern America. 

Collection of data was done over a period of a year to determine how weather factors into changing levels of radon in caves. Scientists recorded daily and seasonal climatic changes and their effects on the radon levels inside the caves. What they found was that levels were lower in winter and higher in summer, suggesting that higher temperatures did not allow radon gas to dissipate quickly. The results also indicated that winds also play a role in lowering radon gas levels. In the summer when there is little circulation in the air, the temperature inside the caves is uniform. During the winter when the air blows directly into the caves it lowers the temperature inside thereby, lowering radon levels. This natural ventilation also occurs during heavy rainfall periods.

During these experiments, various techniques were used to collect radon gas; from simple cups with filters to sputum collection from national park employees. In addition, they tested caves with large bat populations because these areas are known to have low to medium levels of radon. In the end, the results were the same - although somewhat inconclusive. As the studies done decades ago had indicated, long term exposure to radon in caves is detrimental to one’s health. However the fluctuating seasonal data for short term excursion into caves had too many factors to determine an exact impact this, in part, is due to the fact that radon has a half life of only 4 days.

Monday, March 16, 2015

How Radiation Causes Cancer

Radiation and the Cancer Process


This day and age there are many people that are concerned with radiation. Radiation has been in the news for many different reasons. Some types of radiation are used to kill and to treat different types of cancer while other types of radiation are actually the causes of different types of cancer. It is interesting to note that radiation can be both a positive and negative things when it comes to cancer and a person really does well to investigate radiation to find out how they can improve or minimize their risk of getting this potentially fatal disease through the different types of radiation.


 X-rays, Gamma Rays and Their Roles in Cancer:


Both x-ray and Gamma rays can come from an organic source in our earth. Our world is surrounded by different radioactive elements but radioactive elements can also be human made as well. When it comes to things such as Gamma rays and x-rays they were both created by humans and they give off nuclear energy. These types of rays are made in nuclear power plants. When these types of rays go through the cell in the human body they can cause the cells to change or to mutate. Quite often, these mutated cells will eventually expire on their own and cause no damage to the body. Other times the same cells can mutate and that mutation can lead to cancer. The reason that many people want to avoid these types of x-rays is because they do not want to do anything that would potentially increase their risk of developing cancer.


 Medical Radiation


Many cancer patients will use radiation therapy as a way to treat their cancer. When a person does receive this type of therapy they get high doses of ionizing radiation. This type of body radiation is used to go straight to the cancerous cells in order to cause their demise. At the same time this type of radiation therapy can cause different changes or mutations in other cells of the human body and then turn it can actually cause a person to develop a different type of cancer.


 Natural Sources


Natural radiation radon is a type of natural radiation. Radon is a type of gas that cannot be seen and has no smell and it is made up of a breakdown of different radioactive chemicals that are found on the earth. These natural elements can be found in things such as soil and rocks. Radon gas has been cited as the most frequent cause of environmental cancers by worldwide health organizations.


 Radiation and You


In reality it is virtually impossible to escape radiation completely. At some point in life every human being is going to have to be exposed to a certain level of radiation when it comes to testing, or their natural environment. In reality the best thing that people can do is try their best to lead healthy lifestyles, and of course get early prevention checks for cancer. While no one wants to get cancer there are many innovating tests that being done, and also there are many lifestyle changes that a person can make in order to lower their risk of getting cancer.