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What is the Radon Risk in Iowa?

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The Risks of Radon Exposure in Iowa

Most people are aware that radon exposure is dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. But many people also do not realize just how high the risk of radon exposure is in their homes. For people who live in Iowa, it is very common to find elevated levels of radon within their home. Because radon is undetectable to the human senses (it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas), it is important to have your home tested for radon to determine whether or not it contains dangerously high levels of the radioactive, carcinogenic gas. Ameriserv Radon Mitigation of Iowa has several different radon testing options for use in your Iowa home.

Iowa Radon Risk for Your Home and Solutions from AmeriservWhy should you test your Iowa home for radon? The USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) considers indoor radon levels at or below 4.0 pCi/L to be safe. Keeping radon below this level reduces the chances of developing lung cancer due to radon exposure. Lung cancer related to radon exposure is a serious risk in the United States: 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year are the result of radon. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. This is why it is important to make sure the radon levels in your home are not dangerously or unusually high.

Iowa Radon Risk and What to do About it

What is the risk that your Iowa home has a radon problem? Some statistics that shed light on radon in Iowa are listed below:

  • Iowa is a Red Zone: The entire state of Iowa is in Zone 1, the red zone. This means that the state has a high potential to have elevated radon levels.
  • Iowa Average is 8.5 pCi/L: The average radon concentration in homes in Iowa is 8.5 pCi/L. This is over twice as much as the recommended maximum safe level and is over six times the national average for the same measure.
  • More Iowa Homes have Radon: The percentage of homes in Iowa that have radon levels over 4.0 pCi/L and also of homes that have radon levels over 20.0 pCi/L is higher than any other state.
  • Radon is Prominent in Iowa Homes: Five out of any seven homes in in Iowa contain elevated radon levels, according to the Iowa Public Health Department (IDPH).
  • Four Hundred Radon Deaths Per Year: Every year, around 400 people in Iowa die from lung cancer that was the result of prolonged or severe radon exposure.

These are some of the risks of radon in Iowa homes that can be reduced by testing for radon and installing a radon mitigation system. This system will help to keep radon levels lower by collecting the radon and releasing it outside the home before it can build up inside.

If you are worried about the Iowa Radon Risk in your home, contact the professionals at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation as soon as possible.

Start out 2015 Right with Radon Testing for your Des Moines, IA Home

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The Importance of Radon Testing in Iowa

Dangers and Health Risks of Radon in Iowa HomesIt is always important to take all of the necessary steps to protect you and your family from the dangers of radon. If you live in Iowa, however, the chances that your home could have a radon problem are even higher than if you live in most other states.  This is because the average level of radon in a home in the state of Iowa is well above the highest percentage that is considered safe. If you have not already done so, have your Iowa home tested for radon. If radon is discovered in your home, do not panic. Call the experts at Ameriserv radon mitigation of Iowa as soon as possible.

As seen from this map of radon zones, the Northern and more central states tend to have higher concentrations of radon. The state of Iowa is located in one of the red zones, where radon concentration is highest.

Such high concentrations of radon in your home can cause serious health issues. The colorless, odorless gas known as radon is one of the foremost environmental carcinogens. Each year, around 400 Iowans die due to radon exposure, and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Iowa Home

Since all of the counties in Iowa have a predicted average indoor radon screening level higher than 4 pCi/L, it is vital that you have your Iowa home tested for radon right away. This level of radon exposure is considered dangerous, and should be taken care of immediately. Here at Ameriserv, we provide a couple of different options when it comes to radon testing. The types of radon testing we offer include:

  • Short Term Radon Testing
  • Long Term Radon Testing
  • DIY Radon Test Kits

Short Term radon testing uses a few different methods (charcoal canisters, electret ion chambers, continuous monitors, and liquid scintillation detectors) over a period of three to ninety days to monitor the radon levels in your home. Long term testing requires more than ninety days, and can give you a more accurate idea of the year round average radon level inside your home. DIY radon testing kits are an inexpensive way to take the first step in figuring out whether or not your home has a radon problem.

Radon Testing and Mitigation Solutions in Iowa

If you do find high levels of radon in your home, invest in radon  mitigation services from Ameriserv. We will install a ventilation system that utilizes a suction point in the slab of your foundation, PVC pipes, and fans to clear radon gas out of your home.

If you live in Iowa, consider contacting Ameriserv to have your home cleared of radon today. Call us now for more information!

Can Cold Weather Increase your Radon Risk?

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Winter is coming, and that means lots of cold weather. The season of snow and ice may actually cause your Iowa home, business, or school to have higher radon risks than it may have had in the warmer months.

Don’t know what radon is or why it is dangerous? Well, here is a quick summary of radon and why it is dangerous to your health. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is naturally occurring. It can only be detected by a radon test. It is radioactive and can attach itself to many surfaces, including dust particles. These dust particles can be easily inhaled and may, in some cases, cause lung cancer, along with a variety of other breathing problems. Some signs that you have been exposed to radon include:Radon Testing Lake City IA, Radon Mitigation Lake City Iowa

  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing
  • Heavy breathing
  • Lung infections

Unfortunately, radon may not take effect in you until years or even decades after you have been exposed, which means that even if you have these symptoms, it does not mean that your current home, business, or school has high levels of radon. You could have been affected years ago without knowing it. This makes radon gas that much harder to detect.

Iowa is known for its high levels of radon risks. A long time ago there were glaciers that covered Iowa which melted leaving behind rocks that contained uranium. When these rocks broke down and decayed over time they released the radon gas. These gases are now affecting your Iowa homes, businesses, and schools. If not taken care of, it could seriously harm you and your family, customers, or students and staff. Ameriserv can help you detect radon with radon tests.

Radon Testing and Mitigation in Iowa by Ameriserv

Interestingly enough, cold winter weather may actually aggravate the radon levels in your Iowa home, business, or school. Because the air outside is colder than the air inside your home, business, or school, radon levels may become higher. The temperature difference is what causes the higher levels of radon. Luckily, Ameriserv can help you. Especially during the winter months, it is smart to get regular radon tests for your home, business, or school. Do not let the higher radon risks take advantage of you. If high levels of radon are found, we here at Ameriserv can provide you with radon mitigation services.

We can help you choose which system of radon mitigation is right for your specific structure and situation. Contact Ameriserv today to learn more about radon testing in Iowa, radon risks, radon mitigation, or our service area. We want to help you feel safe in your home, so make sure to get regular radon tests. You can not ignore radon. Just because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless does not mean that it is not there. Contact us today!