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A Radical Resident

Hidden Home Dangers: RADON

Now, officially winter, we relish in resting and snuggling into the coziness of the indoors. But a silent invader poses a real threat to the sanctuary of our home as a healthy haven: RADON. This radical gas has grown slow attention despite being the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. January is National Radon Action Month.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas leaches into our homes through foundation cracks or basements. Breathing in this gas poses a cumulative health risk over years of exposure. The DPA estimates approximately 40% of all homes in PA have Radon levels above acceptable EPA guidelines. This means that trouble brews undetected posing serious harm. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that “lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year” with Radon being the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking, but remains the #1 cause for non-smokers. However, both radon and lung cancer are detectable and treatable when caught early.

EPA.gov is a reliable information source for understanding Radon risk, testing, removal, and sources for dealing with it. Detection is extremely accessible, with hardware stores selling kits at an affordable $20-$30.

After an initial assessment, if Radon levels are above EPA standards, reputable companies can be requested for confirmation. A secondary test can confirm levels that require action, as radon levels can fluctuate. Testing should be done in the basement, or the ground floor if the home is built on a slab. If the second test confirms levels that require remediation, hire a certified Radon contractor to install a Radon Reduction system. These systems can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the amount of work and the size of the home. Average costs rest around $1,000. After installation, test to confirm Radon is reduced, as well as periodically maintaining the efficacy of the system.

You want to protect yourself and your loved ones now, and in the future. Minimal effort and expense now can have a great impact on a healthy future. Resolve to make January a month of a truly significant action: SAFETY!

Concrete Cleaning in Progress by Grime Fighters in Lehigh Valley, PA

Pools, Decks, and Patios: Haven or Hazard?

Learn why the health and safety of your pool and pool apron is a serious matter.

Everyone looks forward to soaking in the summer sun and taking that first dip in the pool. The joy and serenity of the crisp, clean water eclipses our troubles, even if for just a moment. But unfortunately, that moment can quickly become tragic, which is why it is important to refresh safety protocols for the health of your family.

According to stopdrowningnow.com, “10 people die every day” from drowning, “3,400 people drown each year,” and is known as the “#1 leading cause of death in children ages 1-4.” Such tragic loss of life emphasizes why one can never take for granted the state of their pool and surround. It is recommended that in addition to adult supervision, swimming lessons, established safety protocols, and learning CPR are imperative for pool owners.

While there are various dangers associated with pools, everything from faulty ladders to dodgy electrics, poolwatermedic.com lists slip and fall hazards from slippery algae growth on pool surrounds as one of the top injurious offenders, even though it is completely preventable. They recommend that annual flat surface cleaning is essential for pool aprons, patios, decks, and any flat surface surrounding your pool. A closely related danger is water quality of your pool. Bacteria and chemicals can linger in your water if not properly maintained, leading to infections and skin issues.

The health and safety of your pool and surrounding flat surface have direct bearing on the health and safety of the people enjoying them. As summer heat and storms progress, your pool and patio will take a battering with debris and humidity-fostered biological danger (moss, mold, mildew, algae), creating more work for your pool filter. If you choose to try DIY to clean your flat surfaces, it is important to know and have the right tools, techniques, and solutions to properly handle the needs of your deck, patio, pavers, whatever your pool surround. This can be an expense of time, money, and learning curve, procuring all that is needed to safely clean the variety of issues on your flat surfaces.

A professional flat surface cleaning by a trained team of technicians with the tools and knowledge of how to treat various surfaces as well as the surfactants used to restore luster, while avoiding dirt and solutions leaking into your pool, will save you time and money. But how do you know which Flat Cleaning Service is right for you?

BASIC vs. DELUXE

A BASIC flat surface cleaning is performed using only water, and is ideal for those who schedule regular, annual maintenance. This service is also recommended for customers who may be sensitive to the idea of solutions used in the DELUXE service.

A DELUXE flat surface cleaning is ideal for customers who have stains or who have not been able to have a regular, annual maintenance cleaning. This service includes an ECO-wash, green-friendly, additional surfactant used for mold, mildew, moss, and algae growth, to destroy and remove anything biological growing in pores of the concrete which create a slippery surface and creates a more habitable environment for organisms to transfer and grow on your house. Lack of maintenance can also lead to breakdown, cracks, and degradation of the surface around the pool, also providing trip, fall, and splinter hazards.

Why choose Grime Fighters?

In a matter of hours, Grime Fighters can provide you with peace of mind, properly caring for your home, so you can get on with safely enjoying it. Get your FREE QUOTE NOW!