Comprehensive Information Regarding Radon Mitigation in Syracuse, NY
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into your home or business through cracks or holes in the basement walls and floor. Radon gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Much of the Syracuse, New York region has elevated levels of radon due to high amounts of granite bedrock. Risk depends on how much and how long you have been exposed to radon gas, which is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
VOC's are found in many household products, including: paints; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers & disinfectants; air fresheners; automotive products and much more. VOC's vary in their potential to affect health.
Health Risks & Hazards
LUNG CANCER AND RADON EXPOSURE
Radon represents a far smaller risk than cigarette smoking for this disease, but it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Scientists estimate that 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year are related to radon.
Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk of lung cancer than exposure to either factor alone. The majority of radon-related cancer deaths occur among smokers. However, it is estimated that more than 10 percent of radon-related cancer deaths occur among nonsmokers.
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs)
Organic vapors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in many household products, including: paints; paint strippers and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; and dry cleaned clothing. VOCs vary in their potential to affect health. Possible health effects of exposure include: irritation to eyes, nose and throat; damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system; and cancer.
MEDICAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Indoor air pollution can affect you at home, work, or even places you visit. It can increase your risk of a respiratory disease, such as asthma, allergies, and lung cancer. Indoor air pollution can be worse in winter, when windows are shut tight and less fresh air can circulate. Chemicals can enter the body through three major pathways (breathing, touching or swallowing). This is referred to as exposure. No matter how dangerous a substance or activity is, it cannot harm you without exposure.
Whether or not a person will have health effects after breathing in VOCs or RADON depends on:
- The toxicity of the chemical (amount of harm that can be caused by contact with the chemical).
- How much of the chemical is in the air.
- How long and how often the air is breathed.
Differences in age, health condition, gender and exposure to other chemicals also can affect whether or not a person will have health effects.
Short-term exposure to high levels of some VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, nausea, and eye and respiratory irritation. These effects usually go away after the exposure stops.