Tag Archives: Des Moines

New Construction Requires Radon Mitigation Systems in Iowa

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Come to AmeriServ for your New Construction Needs

new construction radon mitigation

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!

Why are Radon Levels so High in Des Moines

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Radon Levels in Des Moines

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
radon levels in Des MoinesIowa  has the highest average levels of radon in the nation. Iowa falls into the EPA radon red zone, which means every county has an average indoor radon screening higher than the 4.0 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). Also, 70 percent of the homes statewide fall inside the EPA’s danger zone. This includes homes in Des Moines.

Radon is formed naturally by the decaying process of uranium and radium, both of which is found in many rocks. Many thousands of years ago, glaciers moved and carried rocks from what is now Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario to Iowa. The glacier’s movement pulverized the rocks into small chunks, increasing the surface area of the once whole rock. Over time with rain, freeze-thaw, plant roots, and exposure to oxygen these rocks were pulverized, increasing their porosity which allows more opportunity for radon to escape into the soil, air, and water. Radon is a odorless, colorless, and and tasteless gas and enters homes through cracks in foundations and walls.

When radon enters building, it becomes trapped and it accumulates in the lowest level, usually the basement. Breathing in this radioactive gas over a long period of time can cause lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. You could be sitting in a home with a low level or a high level and you wouldn’t know the difference.

Most people find out about the dangers of radon during a housing transaction because real estate agents must provide buyers with an “Iowa Radon Home-Buyers and Sellers Fact Sheet.” It is up to the buyer to request that an inspector test for radon.

The primary source of high levels of radon comes from the soil below and surrounding the home. It gets into your home because warm air rises, creating a vacuum in the lower areas and moves through and into the home as air moves from higher pressure in the soil to lower pressure in the home.

AmeriServ Radon Mitigation of Iowa can test your home for radon levels using either short-term testing or long-term testing methods. The short-term testing method is used when the results need to be determined quickly, such as when there is a real estate transaction. The long-term method will last 90 days or more. The long-term method will give a better idea of the year round average of the radon levels in your home.

If levels are found to be high, AmeriServ can do radon mitigation which removes the radon from your home to the outside. This is done by drilling a hole in your foundation which creates a suction point. Then a PVC pipe connects through this hole to use as a vent for the radon gas. Then a fan is connected to ensure the air flow is in the right direction. After installation of this system, we will come back and check to make sure the radon level has come down.

Because you life in Iowa where the entire state is in the EPA red zone for radon, it is important to get your home tested for radon and get it taken care of as soon as possible. The longer you breath in air that has high radon levels, the more danger you are in. Don’t let this colorless, odorless, tasteless gas become the source of a health issue. It can be taken care of easily and inexpensively. Call the experts at AmeriServ Radon Mitigation of Iowa today and get your home tested.

We are licensed and certified specialists that were trained professionally by the State of Iowa and certified by the Iowa Department of public Health. Our services include a 5 year warranty on radon mitigation systems. We will make sure that your system is designed to meet your needs. Contact us today and get your radon levels tested!