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, February 21, 2015

Radon's Relationship to Cancer

Types of Cancer and How Radon Contributes to Contraction

Cancer: It's a reality we don't like to think about. However, approximately 40 percent of men and women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. By understanding the common types, you can take steps to minimize your risk.

Radon Link to Lung and Bronchus Cancer

Most understand the link between smoking and lung and bronchus cancer. However, there is a hidden danger you may be exposed to without even knowing it. Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, may be present in your home. 
Most radon exposure occurs indoors, and elevated radon levels have been identified in every state. When radon decays, it becomes radon progeny, which attaches to dust and can be easily breathed in. To avoid the development of lung and bronchus cancer due to radon exposure, having a professional radon-testing company to test your home is the best step.

Prostate Cancer
Approximately one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and 27,540 die annually as a result. On the plus side, most men are able to survive prostate cancer. Regular checkups are the key to early prevention. Although there are limited studies that link radon exposure to this type of cancer, most scientists agree that exposure to radiation (which is what radon gas is) will increase the risk of acquiring many forms of cancer.

Breast Cancer
Men and women both should be aware of breast cancer as it affects both sexes. Signs that breast cancer may be developing include:
  • Change in the feel of the nipple
  • Discharge
  • Presence of a lump

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Colon and rectal cancer both share many of the same symptoms and often begin as a polyp. These growths in the colon or rectum do not always turn cancerous, but those experiencing rectal bleeding should have colon and rectal cancer screening performed.

Bladder Cancer
If you have noticed blood in your urine, you are exhibiting the most common sign of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer causes approximately 16,000 deaths in the US annually, so symptoms should be taken seriously. Radon within a home's water supply can increase the risk of bladder cancer by causing genetic mutations within cells of the digestive organs.

Melanoma Skin Cancer
Early-stage melanoma skin cancer is easily treated, so early detection is essential. Those suffering with melanoma skin cancer have various treatment options including:
  • Surgery
  • Immunotherapy
  • Chemotherapy

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the immune system, and it can be confused with Hodgkin lymphoma. If you are have swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fatigue, weight loss and fever, ruling out Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is important.

Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer, which occurs in the neck, comes in various forms. However, they share similar symptoms including a lump in the neck, trouble breathing, and throat pain. Thyroid cancer treatment can be highly effective when detected early.

Kidney, Renal Cell, and Renal Pelvis Cancer

Kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer are synonymous, and 61,560 new cases are diagnosed annually. Those at a higher risk of the development of kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer include smokers and those who are overweight. These illnesses can be prevented by testing the local water supply for radon and curing the problem if it exists via a aeration mitigation system.

Endometrial Cancer
Beginning in the lining of the uterus, endometrial cancer affects approximately 650,000 women annually. Those particularly susceptible of development of endometrial cancer include women who have never been pregnant and those who have had more years of menstruation.

Leukemia

Leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, comes in many forms. The white blood cells prevent infection, but those suffering with leukemia have deformities in these cells, so infections can turn deadly. Treatment options vary and are dependent on factors such as age and the type of leukemia cells found. Although scientific studies are still in the works to identify the definitive link between indoor radon exposure and leukemia, the risk of getting the disease is reduced as exposure to environmental radiation (such as radon gas) is minimized.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is more common than many realize, and symptoms can start off as subtle. If you are experiencing continual bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and pale-colored stools, schedules an examination to rule out pancreatic cancer. Limiting ingestion of radioactive particles from well and municipal water supplies can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer which makes testing for radon in drinking water of utmost importance.
In summary, there are many forms of cancer that we as humans are susceptible to contracting. By making efforts to live a "safe" lifestyle, eat a healthy foods, and limit exposure to radon gas; we can all minimize the risks of acquiring many of these forms of cancers.

7 comments:

  1. When you think of cancer, you don't think that it will ever happen to you. After reading this post and seeing the many different types of cancer, it makes a lot of sense that we should do everything we can to prevent it and if that means getting our homes tested for radon gas, that is what every one of us should do.

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  2. Are you suggesting that radon gasses can cause more than one form of cancer? I thought radon only caused lung cancer. It seems that almost anything will cause one form of cancer or another and eating healthy isn't enough. I am getting my home tested for radon gas this week. I had heard that it is a lengthy process; is that true?

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  3. Fortunately, a lot of these warning signs are noticeable and maybe people can catch their cancer in the early stages. When you think about it, we never stop to realize that our own homes could be giving us cancer just by breathing in the radon gasses. I recommend everyone get their home tested and for those that have put it off for so long I ask, what are you waiting for? Cancer is serious and so is radon poisoning.

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  4. That list is just long enough to make a person very scared to deal with the gas. Not realizing the extent of the damage that it can do, many people might not think that it is a big deal. They should be reading your blog!!

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  5. That list of cancer that is related to Radon is out of hand. Before reading this, I had no idea it was that destructive to the body. A 90 test in the home might be something to schedule. At least to see where you are at!

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  6. That is not a short list at all. Very good information here to share with others!

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