Iowa Radon Exposure Risks
The first step in protecting yourself and your family against the dangers of radon exposure is learning about radon – what it is, why it is dangerous, how to avoid exposure, etc. Radon levels in Iowa are especially high. That is why it is vital for you to check your home for signs of elevated radon levels and have any issues taken care of as soon as possible. Contact Ameriserv Radon Mitigation for professional assistance in these areas.
What is radon, and why is it dangerous? Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the decaying or uranium in the earth. When the uranium decays, lead and radon gas are formed. The radon gas travels up through the ground and into the air around or in your home. Eventually, the radon will decay into radioactive particles that can make their way into your lungs. The breaking down of these particles results in small energy bursts that cause lung tissue to become damaged and may even lead to lung cancer over time. Second only to smoking, radon exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. To keep you and your family safe from radon, it is important to have your home tested and to invest in radon mitigation services to remove harmful radon gas from your home.
Dangers of Radon Exposure in Iowa Homes
Facts about radon gas and the dangers of radon exposure in Iowa homes include:
- Children reported to be at greater risk for some radiation-source cancers
- Five out of seven homes in Iowa have elevated radon levels
- 400 Iowans die of radon exposure every year
- Radon exposure combined with smoking pose significant threat
- Testing and mitigation can reduce chances of radon exposure
Several studies have been conducted in Iowa showing the high levels of radon in the state lead to health problems. These studies have also revealed that 60% of the radon levels in homes studied were above the amount considered to be safe.
Ameriserv offers both short term and long term radon testing to prevent radon exposure in Iowa. Short term testing is a good way to determine whether or not you need to take further action. If elevated levels are found with the short term test, it is a good idea to administer a long term test to be sure. If it is found that your home does have high radon levels, invest in radon mitigation from Ameriserv. This will remove radon gas from your home using a PVC pipe and fan system connected to a suction point in the slab of your home’s foundation.
To learn more about radon exposure in Iowa, contact Ameriserv and look around our website.