What are the Effects of Radon on Your Health?

Health Risks Iowa

People throughout the world have concerns about the effects of radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium beneath the soil. It is a definite hazard and is very common. Uranium has been present beneath the soil since the earth was formed. Decay will continue at the present rate for millions of years. Radon gas is more pronounced in some areas than others, and it presents a clear cut danger to those who breathe in the toxic gas. Radon gas will get trapped in attic and basement areas and can also be found in spring water and hot springs. At AmeriServ, we can be your radon mitigation Iowa service provider to eliminate radon gas.

What if you have been exposed?

People who live around radon exposure are at high risk for lung cancer. In the US radon-induced lung cancer accounts for 21,000 deaths per year.  From that huge number 2,900 have never smoked.  Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Most radon induced lung cancers develop from low to medium amounts of radon exposure. Lung cancer is treatable, but the survival rate is one of the lowest for those who have cancer. From the time lung cancer is diagnosed, 11-15 % of those afflicted will live beyond five years. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented. Lung cancer surpasses breast cancer as the number one cause of death among women.  A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of lung cancer.

At AmeriServ, we can test your radon levels today! Let us be your radon mitigation Iowa service provider.