Category Archives: Radon Testing

Why Radon Testing is Essential for Your Home or Business in Iowa

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Why Radon Testing is Essential for Your Home or Business in Iowa

Radon is a silent but dangerous threat that many homeowners and business owners in Iowa may not realize is lurking beneath their properties. As a naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon is both colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Unfortunately, Iowa is one of the states with the highest radon levels in the nation. This makes radon testing not just important but essential for safeguarding your health and financial well-being.

The Impact of Radon in Iowa

The statistics in Iowa for 2024 tell a concerning story. This year alone:

  • 2,434 lung cancer cases have been reported.
  • 1,572 deaths have occurred due to lung cancer.
  • Medical costs related to lung cancer have skyrocketed to $133,000,000.
  • Economic costs have reached $140,000,000.

A significant portion of these cases have been linked to radon exposure, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. The risk is even higher in areas like Iowa, where radon levels in homes and businesses are frequently found to exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

Why Testing for Radon is Critical

Radon doesn’t discriminate. It can seep into homes, offices, schools, and other buildings through cracks in the foundation, construction joints, and even through the water supply. Without testing, you won’t know if your property is safe or if you’re exposing yourself and others to a significant health risk. Don’t wait to get your space rested for radon, contact our team today to access your property for radon today.

The benefits of radon testing include:

  1. Peace of Mind: Knowing your radon levels allows you to take proactive steps to protect your loved ones, employees, or tenants.
  2. Health Protection: Identifying and mitigating radon early can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.
  3. Property Value Preservation: Homes and businesses with radon mitigation systems in place are more attractive to potential buyers.

Trust Ameriserv Radon Mitigation for Your Testing Needs

At Ameriserv Radon Mitigation, we understand the unique radon risks that Iowa faces. Our professional team is committed to providing accurate testing and effective mitigation solutions to keep your home or business safe.

Here’s why you should choose Ameriserv Radon Mitigation:

  • Expertise: We specialize in radon testing and mitigation, using state-of-the-art technology to detect and address radon issues.
  • Tailored Solutions: Every property is different. We design customized mitigation systems to suit your specific needs.
  • Peace of Mind: With Ameriserv, you can trust that your property is in good hands. Our solutions ensure long-term safety and compliance with EPA guidelines.

Take Action Today

Radon is a serious issue, but it’s one you can control with the right help. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear or for the statistics to hit even closer to home. Protect your family, employees, and investment by scheduling a radon test today.

Contact Ameriserv Radon Mitigation to schedule your radon testing and ensure your home or business is safe. Together, we can reduce Iowa’s lung cancer statistics and create healthier environments for everyone.

Cold Weather is the Perfect Time to Test Your Home for Radon

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Iowans are no strangers to winterizing their homes. Inspecting your roof, cleaning your gutters, pruning your trees, and improving insulation are great ways to prepare your property for the coldest months of the year. This year, add calling radon testing professionals to your winterizing list to ensure your home is the safe and comfortable environment your family deserves. 

What is Radon?

Radon is an inert, naturally occurring gas that is colorless and odorless. Trace amounts of radon constantly surround you in the atmosphere, but too much radon gas can pose severe threats to your health. Most radon exposure occurs inside buildings, including places like your home, workplace, or school. 

Why is Testing Important?

residemtial radon testing in winter

Over time, exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.” There are an estimated 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. In fact, the EPA notes that “only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.” 

You go to great lengths to keep your family safe. You weigh safety features in cars before making purchasing decisions. You make healthy meals to nourish your loved ones. Making sure your home has safe levels of radon is one more way to encourage health and safety for your family. 

Why Test for Radon in the Winter?

There’s never a bad time to test your home, business, or school for radon. However, experts recommend testing your home during the colder months. When the temperature drops outside, you shut your windows and doors to maintain warmth in your home. One way many Iowans prepare their homes for winter is to install weather stripping. While weather stripping is a great way to keep heat in your home, it also traps radon gas. With radon trapped in your home, it can accumulate to unsafe levels. 

The longer your home, school, or business remains shut, the higher the levels of radon will be. Prolonged exposure can be a health hazard, so testing to determine how much radon you and your loved ones are exposed to is crucial to maintaining safety. 

Radon Mitigation Systems and Keeping Your Home Safe

When you need radon testing, you need a company you can count on for accurate results. Not only can AmeriServ provide you with accurate test results, but we also offer solutions to help you lower radon levels if your home, school, or business is found to be unsafe. We have years of experience installing and servicing radon mitigation systems to help keep Iowa families safe and healthy. 

As you prepare to gather with family and friends during the holiday season this year, take the time to test your home for radon. AmeriServ offers convenient, affordable testing to give you peace of mind that your loved ones are safe in your home. Ready to get started? Give us a call today, or complete our online contact form and a representative will reach out to you soon.

How Often Should My Home Be Tested For Radon?

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Radon gas is both colorless and odorless, which means that there is no way to tell if there are high levels inside your home without testing for it.  The danger of not knowing is running the risk of being exposed to elevated levels of radon for an extended amount of time, which can lead to lung cancer.

Change of Seasons

The change of seasons can affect the level of radon in your home.  If you previously tested your home in the spring or summer, consider testing it in the fall or winter.  Changes in temperature, as well as the opening and closing of windows and doors, can change the level of radon in your home.  Testing for radon in different seasons can help to determine if there are higher levels at different times.

Remodeling or Changes to Your Home

Changes to your home, such as remodeling your basement, installing new windows or getting a new roof are all projects that could affect how much radon is in your home.  These home improvement projects all change the amount of ventilation, which can alter the amount of radon that is trapped inside.

Living Condition Changes

If you have recently decided to utilize your basement as a bedroom or family room, now is the time to get a radon test.  Elevated radon levels can be dangerous and have a big impact on those that spend time in the basement, including pets.  Make sure that everyone is safe by having your home tested.

After Mitigation

Once a mitigation system has been installed in your home, it is important to have a radon test conducted to ensure that the system is working properly.  It’s also necessary to continue to have tests done at least every two years to continue to monitor that things are working as they should.

Test Every Two Years

The EPA recommends testing your home every two years, regardless of whether you have a mitigation system installed. AmeriServ Radon Mitigation of Iowa provides FREE 2 year follow up radon tests. Contact us today to schedule your initial test or free follow up test!

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What Does The American Cancer Society Say About Radon?

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An excerpt from the American Cancer Society:

Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements (radon progeny) that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and eventually lead to lung cancer.

Cigarette smoking is by far the most common cause of lung cancer in the United States, but radon is the second leading cause. Scientists estimate that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon.

Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk for lung cancer than either factor alone. Most radon-related lung cancers develop in smokers. However, radon is also thought to cause a significant number of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in the United States each year.

Some studies have suggested that radon exposure may be linked to other types of cancer as well, such as childhood leukemia. But the evidence for such links has been mixed and not nearly as strong as it is for lung cancer.

To read the full article.

4 Tips For A Successful Summer Radon Test

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So you have finally decided to get your home tested for radon this summer – great start! Did you know, however, that many factors, such as open windows and doors, air conditioning units, and fans can alter the results of your test results? Before scheduling your summer radon test, keep in mind the following:

1.    Keep a closed house.

With the blistering summer temperatures, many of us choose not to leave the windows and doors open anyway, but it is important to note that you must shut all windows and doors  at least 12 hours before the test begins and keep them shut throughout the test. You can still use your doors to enter and leave your house, of course, but otherwise keep them closed.

2.    Use central air conditioning.

Feel free to use central air conditioning to keep your house cool during radon testing. Be careful, though, when using window and wall air conditioning units, as no air from the outside should enter the house. If you are able, switch the setting so the units are simply recirculating the air inside the house, rather than bringing in additional outside air.

3.    Control indoor fans.

Keeping cool in the summer can be a chore, and although it can be tempting to run fans on full blast throughout the house, control the ones that are near the radon testing unit, by redirecting the airflow or simply turning the fan nearest to the testing unit on low. These units can be extremely sensitive and constant blowing air can throw off the test results.

4.    Plan ahead – take a vacation.

For some families, summer is the best option for radon testing, as one or more parent may be home from work. However,  children entering and leaving the house can make for faulty test results.  To avoid the heavy traffic, consider planning a vacation during your radon testing week. Your family will enjoy the time away and your radon technician will be able to conduct the test efficiently and effectively.

FRAP Scorecard – What is it?

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What is the Federal Radon Action Plan Scorecard?

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Since 2011, the federal government has been implementing the Federal Radon Action Plan (FRAP). In February 2016, they posted a Scorecard to report on the status of radon testing and radon mitigation activities implemented under FRAP. The scorecard records commitments based on their final status, green for complete and red for incomplete.

It also discusses the six commitments that will be continued under the National Radon Action Plan (NRAP), which took over the FRAP plan after 2016. The three green-marked commitments will either be expanded to include new strategies or simply continued and tracked. The three red-marked commitments will be addressed under current  NRAP programs.

Six Commitments Tracked by FRAP

Following are the six commitments defined by FRAP and a brief discussion of their progress.

  1. Testing tribal residences and schools for radon and educating Tribes of radon risk –The Bureau of Indian Affairs, has done radon testing on about  30% of approximately 3500 residences and 500 schools for the presence of radon. The remaining 70% are expected to be completed by 2020 and will be tracked and reported.
  2. Deducting radon testing and mitigation costs with the Health Care Savings Accounts (HSAs) – Because radon can have significant health-related effects, the IRS is currently working with the EPA to determine which expenses related to radon reduction can be deducted as medical expenses.
  3. Providing a radon mitigation cost set-aside through the VA’s Home Loan Guarantee Program – Although the VA has considered this action, it has determined that it is not feasible under current budget limitations. It will continue to prioritize work with guidelines for new construction programs and Minimum Property Requirements (MRP), which will be tracked and reported.
  4. Testing for radon in HUD public and assisted housing – While HUD currently lacks funding to perform radon tests as a part of its inspections of public and assisted housing, it is committed make this a standard part of the inspection process and will continue to explore its feasibility under NRAP.
  5. Creating a website to Increasing overall public awareness of radon in homes – Currently the EPA, HUD, USDA and HHS are collaborating on a website that works with existing campaigns to increase public awareness of the prevalence of radon and known health risks of radon in homes. The launch date of this website is as yet not determined.
  6. Engaging with the philanthropic organizations to promote public awareness of radon – The EPA, HUD and USDA is working to develop public-private partnerships to support programs to increase public awareness and reduce the presence and risks of radon in homes. So far efforts have been largely unsuccessful.

Ten Myths about Radon

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Ten Myths about Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that occursRadon Testing Iowa, Radon Mitigation Iowa, Myths about Radon in the soil naturally and often leaks into lower levels of homes. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking, and leads to 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. Because you aren’t able to see, smell or taste radon gas, it’s important to test the air in your home and fix any problems you find. Many people don’t believe their home is in area with radon, one of the common myths about radon.

EPA’s Common Myths about Radon

Recently the EPA has reported ten common myths people have about radon, which follow.

1. Myth: Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem.

Fact: While scientists are not certain of the exact number of deaths due to radon, the major health organizations, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Medical Association (AMA), and American Lung Association all agree that radon causes thousands of otherwise preventable lung cancer deaths annually, especially among smokers.

2. Myth: Radon testing is difficult and expensive.

Fact: Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive, either by testing your home yourself or hiring a qualified radon testing professional. It has been shown that long-term testing kits, for at least 90 days, are more accurate than short-term kits.

3. Myth: It is impossible to fix a home with radon problems.

Fact: Many homes have already been successfully fixed. The cost radon problems can be fixed by qualified radon mitigation contracts for about the same cost as other home repairs.

4. Myth: Radon affects only certain types of homes.

Fact: Radon can affect any type of home: old or new, drafty or insulated, and with or without basements. The primary factors that affect radon levels in homes are local soils, construction materials, and building methods.

5. Myth: Radon occurs in only certain areas of the country.

Fact: Radon levels do tend to be higher in certain areas, but they have occurred in all 50 states. The only way to be certain your house does not contain radon is to test it.

6. Myth: If my neighbor has/doesn’t have radon, it must be the same for me.

Fact: This is not true. Radon levels do vary greatly between homes. The only way to be sure your home does not have a radon problem is to test it.

7. Myth: Everyone should also test their water for radon.

Fact: Radon can get into homes through ground water, but it is most important to test the air first. While radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water supply that uses ground water, call your water supplier. If high radon levels are found and the home has a private well, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on testing your water.

8. Myth: Selling a home with radon problems is difficult.

Fact: As long as the radon problems have been fixed, there is no problem selling a home. As a matter of fact, the added protection could be turned into a selling point.

9. Myth: It doesn’t make sense to check my home for radon because I’ve already lived here a long time.

Fact: Even if you’ve lived with an elevated radon level for many years, correcting it now will still reduce your risk for lung cancer.

10. Myth: Short-term tests don’t help determine whether or not to correct radon problems.

Fact: Short-term tests can be used to determine whether or not to reduce a high radon levels. If the short-term test result is close to pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter), it is difficult to determine whether the radon level is above or below that average throughout the years. Ideally, the level should be 2 pCi/L or lower to be safe.

For more information, refer to the EPA’s A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.

What If My Home Needs Radon Testing or Repair?

If you’ve tested your home and had a high radon level or want a professional in radon mitigation to test and/or repair your radon problems, contact the experts at AmeriServ Radon Mitigation of Iowa.

Don’t put you and your family at an unnecessary risk for lung cancer!

FRAP Scorecard

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EPA Works to Reduce Radon Levels

In 2011 the federal government started a program to track the progress of the EPA and its partners. Their goal was to reduce radon levels in American homes across the nation. The Federal Radon Action Plan (FRAP) Scorecard was created to track which goals have been completed by February of 2016. Many of these goals included educating the public about the dangers of radon, especially in high risk areas such as Iowa. The EPA and its partners also worked with schools, daycare facilities, hospitals, and other public buildings to test for radon and mitigate if necessary.

frap scorecard iowaAs of February 2016 the Scorecard has been posted with the final results. The majority of their goals were completed. Each of these goals will help reduce radon levels in America and decrease future issues. The end goal is to completely erase radon gas levels, and the EPA is working furiously towards that goal.

The New Plan – National Radon Action Plan

The updated program (NRAP) aims to reduce radon in five million American homes and save 3,200 lives annually in the process. By 2020 they want to have this plan completely implemented. The EPA is partnering with the American Lung Association to fight avoidable lung cancer cases caused by radon.

AmeriServ wants to help fight high radon gas levels in America. We offer radon testing and radon mitigation services to Iowa homes and businesses. Contact us today to learn more about radon and what you can do to fight back, too. Not only will you be protecting yourself from the harms of radon gas, you will be helping the future generations. Give us a call!

If Having Children in the Home doesn’t Motivate Radon Testing, What Will?

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If Having Children in the Home doesn’t Motivate Radon Testing, What Will?

The Dangers of Radon Gas

If your child was in danger and you could remove that danger in order to protect them, would you? A study found that some parents may not, especially in the case of radon. It has been found that many homes have or will fall victim to radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers–this includes children. It is the second leading cause for smokers. The study conducted radon and secondhand smoke tests in 550 homes. At the same time, parents were asked if they were concerned about the long term affects of radon gas or secondhand smoke on their children. The study found that “having children present in the home [didn’t] appear to impact parents’ lung cancer worry.”

Spreading Radon Awareness

radon educationSo, how can we get people to understand the very real danger of radon? We believe that awareness and education could be a step in the right direction. Many people do not even know what radon is or what it can cause. Radon is a gas that is created through the natural breakdown of uranium in the earth. It rises through the soil and into homes through small basement or foundation cracks.

When radon is outside in the air it is virtually harmless, but in a small, enclosed space such as a home, it can lead to a variety of health problems. This includes wheezing, coughing, lung infections, and even lung cancer. Luckily, radon gas must be present for a long time to cause these issues, so that is why it is so important to regularly have your home tested for radon gas. Contact us today to learn more about radon testing and radon mitigation–the solution for high levels of radon in your home.

Radon Levels & Testing in Iowa Counties

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High Radon Levels in Many Iowa Counties

Are you in danger of having high radon levels in your home? Iowa is the state with the highest average radon level in the country. Why are radon levels in Iowa so high? Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed during the breakdown of radium in the ground. Radon levels are particularly high in Iowa due to glaciers that deposited finely-ground soil in the area. The large surface area of this soil allows it to emit a lot of radon gas.

The following map shows radon levels by county throughout the United States. Notice that Iowa contains several more counties with elevated radon levels (indicated by red) than most other states.high radon levels in iowa counties

You may be wondering why this is such a big deal. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and kills around 400 Iowans every single year. In fact, radon is the second leading cause o lung cancer next to smoking – prolonged radon exposure causes up to 20,000 cases of lung cancer per year.

This means that radon can pose a serious threat to Iowa residents. The average concentration of radon indoors in Iowa is 8.5 pCi/L, which is over six times the national average. Because it is impossible to detect radon in your home, you should have your home professionally tested as soon as possible.

Reduce Radon Levels in Your Iowa Home

Ameriserv Radon Mitigation of Iowa can test your home for radon and provide mitigation services to reduce high radon levels. We offer both short-term and long-term radon testing to determine if you are in need of radon mitigation services to lower radon levels. We also offer DIY Radon testing kits. If you choose to perform a DIY test and the results show a high radon level, you should follow up with a professional test to get a more accurate idea of radon levels.

radon levels by county in iowaIf we find that the radon levels in your home are higher than the recommended 4.0 pCi/L in your home, we can install a radon mitigation system. These systems use fans and pipes to reroute radon from the basement (or ground level of the home) upwards, where it is then vented out of the home.

Radon often enters the home through the basement, or through cracks in the foundation. In addition to mitigation, it may be beneficial to ensure that foundation cracks in your home are repaired. This will further prevent radon from entering the home.

If you live in Iowa, you are in danger of high radon levels and should have your home tested as soon as possible. However, certain counties are even more at risk for high radon levels. Click here to find an interactive map that shows average radon levels in your county – and do not hesitate to contact Ameriserv for an appointment today. See the map on the right to find out if we serve your Iowa county.