Category Archives: Radon Testing

How to Test Your Iowa Home for Radon

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How does a Radon test Work?

Since radon is an odorless and colorless gas, many people who have it in their homes may not realize it. Radon is extremely harmful, and it is suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency as well as the US Surgeon General that every home in America be tested for radon, below the third level.

Short Term & Long Term Tests

The quickest and easiest way to test your home for radon is through a short term test. Some of the most common tests are called: Charcoal canisters, alpha tracks, electret ion chambers, continuous monitors, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. The only downside of short-term tests is that you cannot accurately detect the average radon level in your home throughout the year, but it works well if you need fast results to get an idea of whether your home may have a radon problem or not.

While short-term tests usually last a few days to a couple of months, long-term tests will take more than three months to complete. Alpha tracks and electret ion chambers are the most frequently used long-term tests. It is recommended by the EPA to first take a short-term radon test, and follow up with a long-term test if radon levels showed to be high.homeradon

In preparation for a radon test, you should keep your exterior doors and windows closed twelve hours beforehand. Choose a room to conduct the test in, one that is regularly used by you and your household, but not the bathroom or the kitchen. Find a place about 20 inches above the ground where you can keep the radon test kit for the instructed period of time without it being moved or disturbed. When the allotted time is over, seal your radon kit and send it to the lab. You can expect your results to return to you in a couple of weeks.

To learn how Ameriserv can help you test your home for radon, click here.

Iowa Radon Abatement: A Guide to Radon Reduction

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Getting Rid of Radon Gas in Iowa

Radon gas is a dangerous radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Iowa is known to be the state with the highest average levels of radon gas. It is also naturally-occurring. It is created through the decomposition of uranium and rises through the soil into homes, businesses, churches, and schools through cracks in the foundation. Radon gas can cause health issues, including lung cancer. Radon gas is the second most leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It takes the lives of 21,000 people per year.

Radon Abatement in Iowa from Ameriserv

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The best and only way to tell if your home has high levels of radon is through radon testing. If your home is found to have high enough levels of radon, radon abatement is the next step. There are a variety of ways to decrease high levels of radon, in fact, the EPA cites 13 different methods to lower radon levels. The basic idea is to ventilate the home so that radon gas can escape, where it then becomes harmless. We here at Ameriserv can use sub-slab suction, which is one of the methods that the EPA cites. It is one of the most successful forms of radon abatement, reducing radon levels from 50 up to 99 percent.

If your home, business, church, or school is found to have high levels of radon gas, do not hesitate when considering radon mitigation. Do not wait until someone is sick. Contact us today to learn more about our radon testing and radon mitigation methods. Our service area covers all of Iowa, including Des Moines, Davenport, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Carroll. We are fully licensed and insured for all projects in Iowa. We want to hear from you! Give us a call today!

Iowa Radon: Knowing Fact from Fiction

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The Truth about Radon in Iowaradon testing, mitigation, iowa

Did you know that Iowa is known to have the highest average levels of radon in the United States? Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive, colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that can reside in Iowa homes. Radon gas is the product of decomposing uranium in the soil. It travels up through the soil and into homes through cracks in the foundation. Though even low levels of radon gas can cause problems, high levels can lead to health issues such as lung infections and even lung cancer. Radon gas is thought to be the cause of up to 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. It is almost completely undetectable, except through radon testing.

Regular radon testing is the best way to be safe from the effects of radon gas. The best times to get radon testing are during home inspections, especially before buying a home, but testing once a year is best. It is not just homes that can be effected, either. Homes, businesses, schools, churches; any structure can be effected. If high levels of radon are found, radon mitigation is the next step. Just like any other danger in your home, you want to find a way to get rid of it as soon as possible without anyone being harmed. Well, it is the same with radon gas. Rather than waiting until someone is sick, get radon mitigation right away.

Radon Mitigation in Iowa from Ameriserv

The best way to rid your home, business, school, or church of radon gas is through radon mitigation. You can also seal any cracks or holes in your foundation to prevent future radon gas getting into your home. Radon mitigation is a process through which a series of vents and fans are installed to clear out radon gas and lower radon levels. Some new construction homes in Iowa are even pre-installing radon mitigation systems to prevent high radon gas levels.

Ameriserv can offer Iowa homes, business, churches, and schools with both radon testing and radon mitigation. We want you to be safe, happy, and healthy in your Iowa home, so make sure to get regular radon testing. Contact us today to learn more about radon gas, radon testing, and radon mitigation. Our service area covers a large part of Iowa, including Des Moines, Ankeny, Sioux City, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City. Give us a call today!

Mandatory Radon Testing in Iowa Schools

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Iowa Schools may Require Radon Testingradon testing iowa schools

For many years, it has been known that Iowa has the highest radon levels in the country. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and radioactive gas that can lead to a variety of health problems, especially with long-term exposure, such as in a home or school. This gas is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, making this a dangerous chemical that should be avoided at all costs.

There has been a debate as to whether schools should undergo regular mandatory radon testing to reduce the risk of exposure for students. Because children are attending school every day, long-term exposure is possible, which has been known to lead to lung-cancer. This is why radon testing is being considered mandatory in Iowa schools.

Radon Testing and Mitigation for Iowa Schools

Some believe the schools will not have enough funding, and that radon testing is a low priority. The price of a radon test for a school is about $700, but this would ensure that schools receive quality radon tests. Many schools say they do not test for radon regularly, if at all. It is up to the people and school boards to decide.

Contact AmeriServ today to learn more about our service area, radon testing, or radon mitigation. We want to answer any questions you have concerning radon, and we will try to help in any way we can. Give us a call today!

New Construction Requires Radon Mitigation Systems in Iowa

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Come to AmeriServ for your New Construction Needs

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A new bill is in the works in Iowa that would make it mandatory for radon mitigation systems to be pre-installed in new construction homes. Iowa is known to have some of the highest average radon levels in the United States, so this bill would help lower radon poisoning across the state. If it goes unchecked, radon can lead to a variety of health problems. Radon gas is known to be the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

So how does radon gas get into your home? Well, radon gas is a naturally occurring gas that travels up through the earth and through foundation cracks where it gets trapped in your home. Unfortunately, radon is a colorless and odorless gas, so it can not be detected through sight or smell. Radon testing is the only way to tell. AmeriServ does offer a variety of radon testing options to help you quickly and accurately identify if you have radon gas in your home.

Radon Mitigation in Iowa’s New Construction

If it is found that your home contains radon gas, the best way to rid your home is through radon mitigation, which is a system of vents and pipes that expels radon gas. With this bill, a radon mitigation system will be mandatory in all new construction. If the homeowner believes there is radon gas, or gets a positive test for radon, all they would have to do is turn the system on, making radon much less of a threat in these Iowa homes.

If you are in need of a radon mitigation system for your new construction home, or in your existing home, make sure to call AmeriServ. We also offer radon testing for a quick and accurate result. Don’t let radon ruin your life, get regular radon tests, and come to AmeriServ for all your new construction radon mitigation needs. Our service area covers a large part of Iowa. Contact us today to learn more!

Signs of Radon in Iowa

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Signs of Radon Gas in Iowa

Radon is one of the most prominent carcinogens in Iowa. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, the first being cigarette smoking. In Iowa alone, radon causes around 400 deaths every year, and five out of every seven homes in the state contain a radon level above 4.0 pCi/L, which is considered to be dangerously high. It is clear that radon gas is a major concern for homeowners in Iowa. So what should you do to find out if your home has elevated radon levels and to start the radon reduction process in your Iowa home?

Radon Reduction and Signs of Radon in IowaRadon is a radioactive gas that has no color, no taste, no smell, and is chemically unreactive. These properties make radon impossible for the average person to detect on their own. This means that the only way to find out if your home has a radon problem is to invest in radon testing. Though you can buy DIY radon-testing kits, the best solution is to contact a qualified radon tester for professional radon testing. This gives you more accurate results for increased peace of mind.

It is important to understand where radon comes from and how it works. Then you can get an idea of what to do if radon is discovered in your Iowa home. Radon comes from the soil, where it is produced during the decaying or uranium in the ground. As the radon seeps up through the ground, it may enter your home through cracks in the foundation. Radon can also invade your water, especially if your home has well water. For radon reduction in Iowa to prevent these problems, contact Ameriserv Radon Mitigation today.

Radon Reduction in Iowa from Ameriserv

First, you should have your home tested for radon to determine the radon levels in your home. Radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L are considered hazardous. Since radon has no visible or easily detectable signs, the only way to find out the concentration of the gas in your home is to administer a radon test:

  • DIY Radon Testing: This is a less expensive (we offer DIY testing kits for $15) option, and while DIY tests are usually not a completely accurate representation of radon levels in your home, they can give you a good idea of any problems. If your DIY radon test result is positive, it should be followed by a professional radon test.
  • Short-Term Radon Testing: This is a professional radon test that can be administered in 3-90 days, and is usually a good way to find the general radon levels in your home. If your short-term radon test indicates a high concentration of radon, you may want to consider long-term testing.
  • Long-Term Radon Testing: This is the most thorough of our testing methods. Long-term test normally take about 90 days or more, and give you a much more accurate idea of average radon levels in your home throughout the year.

If you have invested in multiple radon tests, and they all indicate high levels of radon, it is time that you considered some radon reduction methods from Ameriserv. In as little time as a single day, we can install a radon mitigation system that will greatly reduce the radon levels in your Iowa home. These systems use PVC pipes and fans to channel radon from low areas such as the basement out of the home, keeping you and your family safe from the dangers of radon.

Contact us right away to learn more about our radon testing and reduction methods in Iowa.

Radon Test Kits – How They Work in Your Iowa Home

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Radon Test Kits for Your Iowa Home

Here at Ameriserv Mitigation, we offer both long term and short term radon testing for your Iowa home. However, if you are not willing to spend the money on professional testing unless it is completely necessary, we do have another option – DIY radon testing kits. These kits are available for purchase from Ameriserv for fifteen dollars. Though they are a good starting point, DIY radon test kits are not completely accurate, and if a high level of radon is detected with the test kit, it is advised that a professional take a look at your home.

Radon testing kits are normally a much more affordable and relatively simple option when compared with professional short term or long term radon testing. To use a radon testing kits, there are a couple of essential steps:

  1. First, ensure that all the windows in your home are shut, and that all the doors are closed. This will help to produce the most accurate results possible.
  2. Next, place the detector in an area where it will not be disturbed for the duration of the test, which usually takes from 48-96 hours.
  3. Make sure that you follow the directions that come with the kit to get an accurate reading.
  4. You will most likely have to send the detector to a lab to find out the results of your do-it-yourself in home radon test.

Once the results are in, you can determine whether or not you need to take any further action. Normally, a radon level above 4 pCi/L is considered to be unsafe. If the radon kit detects a level close to or over 4 pCi/L in your home, you may want to contact a professional to do further testing and determine whether or not you should install a radon mitigation system in your Iowa home.

Benefits of Radon Kits in Iowa

Radon Test Kits in Your Iowa Home from AmeriservThere are a couple of benefits to using radon kits such as the kind from Ameriserv to shcek the radon levels in your home. First, DIY radon kits are much cheaper than professional tests, meaning that you can get an idea of radon levels in your home without spending more money than you need to. Another benefit is that DIY kits generally take a lot less time than even short term professional tests. This means less hassle for you and your family. Using a DIY radon kit in your Iowa home is a great way to help you make sure that radon does not cause you any problems.

Although DIY radon kits are a good way to start learning about the radon risks in your home, they are not as conclusive as professional tests. That is why it is important to follow up your DIY test with a professional test and mitigation services if high levels of radon are observed. Radon test kits from Ameriserv should only be used for personal tests, not for real estate transactions – If you are selling your home, have a professional radon test done. Contact us today for more information.

 

Radon and Cancer: What Iowa Residents Need to Know

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Dangers of Radon Exposure in Iowa Homes

By now, many people are aware that there is a strong link between radon exposure and cancer. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, affecting more than 15,000 people each year. If you live in Iowa, your chances of dying from radon exposure are high – every year, around 400 Iowans die due to radon exposure.

First, a breakdown. What exactly is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is released during the decay of the elements uranium, thorium, and radium. This decay is a process that occurs in rocks and soil. Once the gas has been released, it makes its way through the ground and distributes into the air above. Radon is present nearly everywhere – everyone breathes in radon on a daily basis, although the amount is generally not large enough to be of concern.

When radon is present in large concentrations within a home, that is when the trouble starts to develop. There are many ways that radon can enter your home:

  • Dangers of Radon Exposure and Cancer Risks in IowaFloor Cracks
  • Foundation Cracks
  • Use of Well Water
  • Wall Cracks
  • Building Materials

Radon can seep through cracks in your home and may be released through well water or building materials as well. If your home is well-insulated and sealed off, there is a more of a chance that the radon levels in your home will be higher than average.

Radon Connected to Cancer in Iowa Residents

Any concentration of radon above 4pCi/L is considered dangerous. Prolonged exposure to such levels of radon could result in the development of lung cancer. Scientists began to notice the effects of radon during a study done on underground uranium miners, who were dying of lung cancer at above average rates. Further studies showed that rodents who were exposed to high levels of radon were more prone to develop lung tumors. More studies were done later comparing the radon levels in the homes of those who had lung cancer and those who did not. The research showed that higher radon levels produced a higher risk of lung cancer.

Radon Levels and Cancer Risk in Iowa HomesRadon causes cancer by decaying quickly, giving off small radioactive particles in the process. These radioactive particles damage the lining cells in the lung when they are inhaled. If a person is exposed to radon long-term, this damage may eventually result in lung cancer. Although there have been speculations of an increased risk of leukemia due to radon exposure, lung cancer is the only cancer proven to be linked directly to radon.

The only way to tell if there are elevated radon levels in your home is by testing. That is why it is important to have your home tested for radon as soon as possible. Ameriserv Radon Mitigation can help you find out if there is a radon problem in your home with our numerous radon testing methods. We will also help you take care of elevated radon levels with our radon mitigation services. Contact us today to see our Iowa service area and to get more information. Learn more about radon here.