Michigan Radon Levels: How Safe Are We?
It’s winter, which means it’s time to check radon levels. Each winter, the word “radon” becomes a buzz term, because this is the time of year when residents can be exposed to dangerous levels or radon. I’m sure you want to keep your family safe, so let’s get into the numbers. What are Michigan radon levels, and how safe are we?
The EPA has a map out of radon zones, which was created in 1993 to identify areas of the U.S. with the potential for elevated indoor radon levels. They note that this map is to help local governments and other organizations target risk reduction activities and resources, not to look at an individual home. While this is all good information, the map is a bit hard to read. So, let’s get into some more specific numbers for our area.
WorldPopulationReview.com has ranked all of the states by radon levels. According to this study, radon is “a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. The natural radioactive decay of uranium forms it in rock, soil, and water.” According to this study, radon is also the second-leading cause of lung cancer. According to Air Chek, Inc. (via WorldPopulationReview.com), 31 states have radon exposure above 4 pCi/L. Just five states and the District of Columbia are considered to have low radon levels: Arizona, Florida, District of Columbia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Hawaii. P
Even though Michigan is north, I’m surprised and happy to see that our radon levels are low. Michigan is at 3.5 pCi/L, according to WorldPopulationReview.com. However, according to Swat-Radon.com, “One in 4 homes across Michigan have elevated radon levels, including in the Detroit area. Detroit is designated a radon gas Zone 1 by the EPA, having average radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher.” That said, you should still test for radon. “No matter where you live, test your home for radon— it’s easy and inexpensive,” the EPA says. “Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Consider fixing if your level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L.” For more information on testing and to view the EPA map, go here. Find the WorldPopulationReview.com study here.
5 Surprising Symptoms People Ignore Most When They're Sick
Cold sweats or Chills
Chills and cold sweats can be uncomfortable. Chills feel like a sudden wave of cold running through your body, making you shiver. Cold sweats, on the other hand, are when you start sweating but your skin feels cold and damp instead of warm. Some people may not immediately associate these symptoms with something serious. They might attribute them to temporary factors such as being in a cold environment or wearing too many layers of clothing. People may underestimate the significance of cold sweats or chills, especially if they are not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms. They may assume it’s just a passing discomfort that doesn’t require medical attention.
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Fever
When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). Fevers can vary in severity and may range from mild to high-grade, depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes, people ignore a fever for a few reasons. They might think it’s just a common cold or flu and believe it’ll go away on its own. It’s important to remember that a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection or an underlying health condition.
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Body Aches
When you experience body aches, you may feel soreness, tenderness, or a general sense of discomfort in your muscles, joints, or other areas. People may dismiss body aches because they may think it’s just a normal part of everyday life and not something to be concerned about. Some may believe their body aches are due to factors like physical exertion, tiredness, or overexertion during exercise. Also, if someone has experienced them before and they have resolved on their own.
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Green Mucus
Some people may believe that the color of mucus is not a reliable indicator of an illness. While green mucus can be associated with certain infections or respiratory conditions, it’s not always a definite sign of a serious problem. People may assume that it’s normal and will resolve on its own.
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Serious Cough
This kind of cough can disrupt your daily life, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted. People ignore serious coughs for a few reasons. Some think it’ll go away on its own or believe it’s just a minor issue like a cold or allergies. Others worry about the cost or hassle of going to the doctor. There’s also the fear of getting a serious diagnosis that can make people hesitant to seek help.
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