Tag Archives: Iowa Radon Levels

Are we SURE that Radon is a Health Risk in Iowa?

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 How do we know that Radon poses a health risk?

Homeowners are constantly warned of the dangers that come from elevated radon levels in the home. Five out of seven homes in Iowa contain high levels of the colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is the number two cause of lung cancer in the United States, and causes 4oo deaths in Iowa alone each year. But many people ask if there is concrete evidence that radon is actually so detrimental to our health. How can we be sure that there is a real health risk attached to the high levels of radon in many homes?

Radon Health Problems and Solutions in Iowa from Ameriserv Radon MitigationThe US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already has plenty of scientific evidence that radon exposure is often linked to lung cancer. This connection was first realized when scientists noticed that the underground uranium miners who were exposed to radon died of lung cancer at a higher rate than others. These studies were confirmed by animal studies, which showed higher rates of lung tumors in the rodents that were exposed to radon. Although there is much dispute among some scientists that the estimated radon-related lung cancer deaths are actually lower than commonly believed, several health organizations, such as the CDC (Center for Disease Control), American Lung Association, the Surgeon General, the American Medical Association, and several others agree that we know enough about the health risks to recommend radon testing and mitigation.

If you find radon levels in your home above 4 pCi/L, consider investing in radon mitigation from Ameriserv. The National Academy of Science’s Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VI) Report reinforced that radon is the second-leading cause o lung cancer in the country. This presents radon levels as a serious health issue that should not be ignored.

What to do When You Find Radon

If you find that your home contains elevated levels of radon, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. There are a few steps that you can take to take care of the radon problem in your home:

  • Contact a professional: If you suspect that your home has a radon problem, or if you just want to be sure that you and your family are safe, contact a professional radon expert today.
  • Have your home tested: Have the professional team at Amerisev perform radon testing in your home to determine whether or not you are in need of mitigation services. Radon levels of over 4 pCi/L lead to serious health issues.
  • Invest in radon mitigation: We can install a radon mitigation system to remove radon from your home and prevent future radon issues. In most cases, radon levels can be reduced to lower than 2 pCi/L to reduce your risk of lung cancer and keep you and your family healthy and safe.

The radon mitigation experts at Ameriserv can help you get rid of the radon problem in your home. Whether you are trying to sell your home, or just want to make sure it is safe for you and your family, we are your number one choice for radon mitigation in Iowa. Contact us today for more information.

The Myths About Radon

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Fact and Fiction about Radon for Iowa Homeowners

radon into homeAlthough most homeowners know that radon is a serious issue, many people are not sure what to believe about the gas. There are several myths surrounding radon that can cause people to overlook radon issues, and pay little attention to the importance of radon testing and mitigation. It vital that you understand the dangers of radon and how to prevent it from causing health issues for you and your family. Ameriserv is dedicated to protecting you and your family from harmful radon. That is why we have put together a list of myths and the corresponding facts about radon:

  • Myth: Scientists are not sure radon is a real issue.
    Fact: Some scientists argue that the estimated number of deaths due to radon is much lower than commonly expressed. However, major health organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Lung Association agree that radon is the cause of thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year, especially among smokers.
  • Myth: Radon testing is costly, time consuming, and difficult.
    Fact:     Radon testing is actually very easy, and can take as little time as two days. Contact the radon testing professionals at Ameriserv to find out more.
  • Myth: Homes with radon cannot be fixed.
    Fact: There are actually several simple, relatively inexpensive solutions to take care of radon levels in your home. Ameriser offers quality mitigation services for homeowners in Iowa.
  • Myth: Radon only affects certain types of homes.
    Fact: Radon can affect any type of home, from old to new, from drafty to well insulated. It is true, however, that some kinds of construction materials and local geology can have an effect on the radon levels in the home.
  • Myth: Radon is only a problem in certain areas of the country.
    Fact: Although radon problems vary from place to place, elevated levels have been found in every state.
  • Myth: The test results of a neighbor are an indicator that your home has a radon problem.
    Fact: Radon levels are different in every home, and the only way to know for sure whether your home has a problem is to have it professionally tested.
  • Myth: Water supplies should always be tested for radon.
    Fact: Radon can contaminate the air in your home through your water supply, but it is much more common for elevated radon levels to be caused by radon in the air alone. Have the air in your home tested first, and if the high radon levels still have no apparent cause, test the water, or contact your water supplier, if your water comes from a public source.
  • Myth: It is difficult to sell homes once radon has been discovered in them.
    Fact: Once the radon problem in the home has been fixed, it is not more difficult than normal to sell the home. In fact, the added preventative and protective systems are often a great selling point.
  • Myth: I’ve already lived in my home so long, it’s not worth it to take action now.
    Fact: Whether or not you have lived with the issue for a long time, taking care of the radon problem in your home will still reduce your risk for lung cancer.
  • Myth: Short-term tests cannot be used to determine whether or not to invest in radon mitigation.
    Fact: A short-term test followed by another short-term tests are often used to decide whether or not your home is in need of mitigation. Contact a professional for more information.

If you live in Iowa, and are in need of answers for the radon problem in your home, contact Ameriserv today. We offer testing and mitigation to remove radon from your home. Contact us today for a quality radon solution.

Radon in the Water – Protect your Iowa Home

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Radon is in the Air, But it can also in the Water

Radon is a serious problem for many homeowners in Iowa. It is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is the number two cause of lung cancer in the United States. Five out of seven homes in Iowa contain elevated levels of radon, leading dangerous threats to the health of those who live in or visit the home. If your home has a radon problem, it is important to have it taken care of as soon as possible. Fortunately, the experts at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation are able to provide professional radon testing and mitigation services to keep your home safe.

Solutions for Radon in the Water in your Iowa Home from AmeriservAlthough radon usually enters the home through the soil beneath the foundation, it can also enter your home through the home’s water supply. The risk of radon poisoning from the water supply is usually highest when the radon in the water enters the air as the water is used for showering, cooking, or other common household purposes. When the contaminated water is released from the tap, the radon will evaporate out of the water and contaminate the air. Heating this water and causing steam can increase the amount of radon that is released into the air. Normally, contaminated water supplies come from groundwater sources, such as a private or public well, and not from surface water sources.

If you suspect that the water in your home is contaminated with radon, follow these steps.

  • Radon Testing: Test your home for radon to determine whether or not there are really elevated radon levels in your home. For this type of radon testing, short-term testing is probably the best solution.
  • Home Radon Mitigation: Invest in radon mitigation services from the professionals at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation to get rid of the radon in your home.
  • Remove Radon from Water: Radon can be removed from the water source in your home in two different ways: point of entry, and point of use. The water can either be treated before it enters your home, or at the tap.

If you are looking for radon testing and mitigation services in Iowa, look no further than Ameriserv. We can test your home to determine the severity of the problem, and come up with a mitigation system to best suit your individual needs. Contact us today to find out more about the services we offer and the cities that we service.

Radon Test Kit vs. Professional Radon Testing in Iowa

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Why Choose Professional Radon Testing in Iowa

Each year, around 400 Iowans die from exposure to radon, a naturally produced gas. Radon is formed when the uranium and radium in rocks decays, filling the soil with radon. When buildings are constructed on radon-rich soil, the radon escapes into the home through foundation cracks, sump pumps, or gaps and spaces around pipes. This creates a dangerous environment for you and your family. If your home is one of the five out of seven homes in Iowa infected with dangerous levels of radon, it is important to call the experts at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation today.

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon; this makes it even more of a threat to the well-being of your family. Homes with elevated levels of radon are nearly impossible to detect without professional radon testing. There are a couple different types of testing, short-term testing, and long-term testing.

  • Short-Term Testing: This type of test usually remains in your home for 2 to 90 days, depending on which kind of test you use. The types of devices used for short-term testing are “charcoal canisters,” “alpha track,” “electret iron chamber,” “continuous monitors,” and “charcoal liquid scintillation” detectors. Short-term tests may not determine year-round average radon level, but are great for getting quick results.
  • Long-Term Testing: These tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. Common long-term test devices include “alpha track” and “electret” detectors. Long term tests take longer, but are much more likely to give you your home’s year-round average radon level.

Radon Testing in Iowa by Ameriserv Radon Mitigation The first step is to determine whether or not there is a radon problem in your home. This can be done either by DIY methods, or by calling a professional radon mitigation expert to administer professional tests. Radon testing kits are very affordable, but the results may vary. In some cases, if you are just trying to determine whether or not to invest in radon prevention systems, DIY radon testing may be the option for you.

However, if you are looking to sell your home, or your DIY tests showed elevated radon levels and you want confirmation, professional tests should be considered. The radon mitigation experts at Ameriserv can provide reliable tests to see if your home is in need of professional radon mitigation services. The extra cost is definitely worth it, as professional radon testing can help you determine the extent of the radon problem in your home.

What to do once you test positive for Radon in Iowa

If you find that your home has elevated levels of radon, it is important to contact a radon mitigation expert immediately. The Ameriserv team installs a radon mitigation system to remove any harmful radon from your home as fast as possible. First, we will drill a hole in your foundation to provide a suction point. Next, we will attach a PVC pipe to the hole to act as a vent and connect the hole to a fan. This fan promotes air flow in the right direction. Once this system is installed, it is important to seal foundation cracks and any gaps and spaces to prevent radon from the soil from making its way into the home.

Contact us today for more information on our premiere radon testing and mitigation services in Iowa.