Tag Archives: Iowa Radon Levels

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.

Start out 2015 Right with Radon Testing for your Des Moines, IA Home

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The Importance of Radon Testing in Iowa

Dangers and Health Risks of Radon in Iowa HomesIt is always important to take all of the necessary steps to protect you and your family from the dangers of radon. If you live in Iowa, however, the chances that your home could have a radon problem are even higher than if you live in most other states.  This is because the average level of radon in a home in the state of Iowa is well above the highest percentage that is considered safe. If you have not already done so, have your Iowa home tested for radon. If radon is discovered in your home, do not panic. Call the experts at Ameriserv radon mitigation of Iowa as soon as possible.

As seen from this map of radon zones, the Northern and more central states tend to have higher concentrations of radon. The state of Iowa is located in one of the red zones, where radon concentration is highest.

Such high concentrations of radon in your home can cause serious health issues. The colorless, odorless gas known as radon is one of the foremost environmental carcinogens. Each year, around 400 Iowans die due to radon exposure, and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Iowa Home

Since all of the counties in Iowa have a predicted average indoor radon screening level higher than 4 pCi/L, it is vital that you have your Iowa home tested for radon right away. This level of radon exposure is considered dangerous, and should be taken care of immediately. Here at Ameriserv, we provide a couple of different options when it comes to radon testing. The types of radon testing we offer include:

  • Short Term Radon Testing
  • Long Term Radon Testing
  • DIY Radon Test Kits

Short Term radon testing uses a few different methods (charcoal canisters, electret ion chambers, continuous monitors, and liquid scintillation detectors) over a period of three to ninety days to monitor the radon levels in your home. Long term testing requires more than ninety days, and can give you a more accurate idea of the year round average radon level inside your home. DIY radon testing kits are an inexpensive way to take the first step in figuring out whether or not your home has a radon problem.

Radon Testing and Mitigation Solutions in Iowa

If you do find high levels of radon in your home, invest in radon  mitigation services from Ameriserv. We will install a ventilation system that utilizes a suction point in the slab of your foundation, PVC pipes, and fans to clear radon gas out of your home.

If you live in Iowa, consider contacting Ameriserv to have your home cleared of radon today. Call us now for more information!

Radon Detector vs. Professional Radon Testing – Which is Right for Your Iowa Home?

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Radon Detectors and Testing Services in Iowa

If you are concerned about radon levels in your home, the best thing you can do is invest in some sort of radon test to determine whether or not your home actually contains elevated radon levels. There are a variety of ways that this can be done – home radon testing kits and detectors, short-term professional tests, and long-term professional tests. The hard part is deciding which radon testing method to use in your home. That is why Ameriserv offers the necessary information and wide variety of solutions to help you choose the best option for your Iowa home.

Some of the different options that you can choose from to test the radon levels in your home include:

  • DIY Radon Kits and Detectors: Home radon tests can give you an idea of the radon levels in your home. These tests are usually left in your home somewhere undisturbed for 48 – 96 hours. To use these tests, you must close all of the doors and windows in the area. Most of the tests also require that you send them in to a lab in order to get the results. Here at Ameriserv, we offer a $15 at home radon testing kit. Contact us for more information on this and our other radon testing services.
  • Short-term testing: This kind of test takes around 2-7 days (some can take up to 90 days), and is used to measure average radon levels in your home over a short time period. Short-term testing methods include charcoal canisters, electret ion chambers, continuous monitors, and liquid scintillation detectors.
  • Long-term testing: This testing method, which usually takes over 90 days, is used to track average radon levels in your home year round. Long-term testing can be done of a high radon level was found with another testing method, or to find more accurate results. Testing methods include electret monitors and alpha track detectors.

These are some of the common methods used to test for radon in Iowa homes. If you are looking to sell your home, you should consider investing in at least short-term radon testing, to ensure there are no dangerous levels of radon in your home. If there have been high levels of radon in your home before, you may want to consider a long-term radon test to see how severe this issue is. If you are just trying to ensure the safety of your family and want to be sure there is not a high amount of radon in the air, a DIY radon detector may be the way to go for you.

Average Outside Air Level of Radon pCi/L. in Iowa

Radon Testing and Detector Solutions in Iowa by AmeriservRadon is a dangerous, colorless, and odorless gas that can cause several health problems for you and your family. Though no level of radon is considered completely safe, it is common for outside air levels to be around 0.2 pCi/L. This is a relatively small number when compared with indoor radon levels, which are commonly somewhere around 1-2 pCi/L.

If there is a radon level of over 4 pCi/L in your home, it means that the radon levels in your home are dangerously elevated. Have your home tested immediately to determine whether or not there is a radon issue there.

Ameriserv offers quality radon testing, detectors, and mitigation services for your home. Contact us today to see how we can help you get rid of the radon in your Iowa home.

General Frequently Asked Questions about Radon

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Understanding Radon is the First Step to Protecting your Iowa Home or Business

When it comes to radon, there is probably a lot that you do not know. You know that radon is dangerous, and that it is important to protect your home and family from it. Failing to do so could put you and your family or customers in danger. What are the first steps in preventing a radon issue in your home or business? Ameriserv Radon Mitigation in Iowa can provide you with the answers to all of your questions about radon.

Why is Radon Testing Important?

Dangers of Radon and Testing Solutions in Iowa from AmeriservIn the state of Iowa, around 400 people die from radon exposure every year. Your home may be one of the five out of every seven homes in Iowa that has dangerously elevated radon levels. If this is the case, it is important to have the radon taken care of right away.

That is where radon testing comes in. Because radon is a colorless, odorless gas, it can only be found using professional radon testing methods. Ameriserv offers both short-term and long-term radon tests to help you determine whether or not your home has a radon issue.

How Do I Get My Home Tested for Radon?

There are a few different options when it comes to testing your home for radon. Several home improvement and DIY stores sell “do-it-yourself” radon testing kits. This kind of radon kit can help you get a general idea of the radon levels in your home.

However, the best way to test for radon in your home is to have a professional radon mitigation service, such as the team at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation, come and administer radon tests in your home. Hiring a professional to test for radon in your home will give you an idea of the severity of the radon in your home.

What Kinds of Radon Tests Can be Used?

There are two main types of radon tests that can be used in your home – short-term tests, and long-term tests. Which type of test you use is up to you, but there are a few differences between the two types of test.

  • Short-term tests: Short-term tests can utilize a variety of different monitors and detectors to check the radon levels in your home. These tests are usually completed within 2-7 days, but more intensive tests could remain in your home for up to 90 days. Short-term tests are a less expensive option that is very convenient if you are looking to sell your home. They monitor radon levels over a short time period, giving you an idea of the radon levels in your home.
  • Long-term tests: This kind of test takes over 90 days, giving you the average year-round radon levels in your home. Long-term tests tend to be more accurate and a bit more expensive. If you have already used a short-term or DIY radon test and found elevated levels of radon in your home, be sure to follow it up with a long-term test.
  • DIY radon tests: If you want to get a general idea of radon levels in your home, try an at home radon test. The kits usually cost around $9 – $40. Leave the kit undisturbed for 48 to 96 hours and send the detector to a lab to get the results.

What Types of Devices are Used in Radon Tests?

There are two different types of monitors or detectors used in most radon tests: passive devices, and active devices. Passive devices include alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, electret ion chamber detectors, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. These devices are sent to a laboratory for analysis after use.

The second kind of device, active devices, is made up of continuous monitors and continuous working level monitors. Active devices require professional attention and are designed to provide data on the variation within a given test period.

Where and When Should Radon Testing Be Done?

Since radon usually seeps into a home from the soil, the best place for testing to be done is the lowest level of the home that is occupied. Testing in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or hallway should be avoided. Drafty or humid areas may inhibit test results.

What is the Next Step After Radon Testing?

If you complete a short-term or DIY radon test and find a radon level above 4pCi/L, a long-term test should be administered to further assess the severity of the radon levels. For test results under 4 pCi/L, an immediate follow-up test is not necessary. It may be wise to test again after a long period of time, to determine changing radon levels and patterns.

Radon Mitigation and Testing Answers for Iowa HomeownersIf you are looking to sell your home, or if you just want to ensure that it is a safe place for you and your family, consider investing in radon testing from Ameriserv. We are happy to offer testing and mitigation services to the Cedar Rapids, IA area. Contact us today for more information.

Radon Testing: Kit or Professional?

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Best Options for Radon Testing in Iowa

Radon levels in Iowa are dangerously high: research has found that five out of seven homes in Iowa contain an elevated level of radon. This naturally produced gas comes from the decay of uranium and radium in many different kinds of rocks. These rocks are located all over the state, making it common for radon to seep radon into the soil around your home. If the radon in this soil is allowed to enter your home through foundation cracks; exposed soil in the crawlspace; gaps and spaces between the walls, floor, doors, and windows; or through well water, it could pose a significant threat to the health of you and your family. Second only to smoking, radon is one of the most common causes of lung cancer. Do not take any chances. Have your home tested for radon immediately.

Solutions for Radon Exposure in Iowa Homes by Ameriserv

There are a couple of different ways to determine whether the levels of radon in your home are dangerously high. Radon levels above 4 pCi/L are considered dangerous, and steps should be taken to reduce radon if such a high concentration is found in your home. The best options for testing radon levels in your Iowa home are:

  • Home Radon Testing Kits: These DIY radon test kits are an easy and inexpensive option that can be used if you want to see if radon is a problem in your home. The kits usually cost around $9 –  $40. To use these kits, you need to ensure that all windows and doors are closed, and put the detector somewhere in your home where it can remain without disturbance for 48 to 96 hours. After following the directions with the kit, you will most likely have to send the detector to a lab an await results.
  • Professional Short-Term Testing: Professional testing is a good option if you want more reliable results, or if you are going to be selling your home. This test usually takes around 2-7 days, but could remain in your home up to 90 days. Short-term tests use one of many radon detecting devices to monitor radon levels over a short period of time, giving you an idea of the average radon levels in your home. It is best to use a variety of testing methods to be sure about the results.
  • Professional Long-Term Testing: Long-term testing methods use devices that stay in your home for over 90 days. Long-term tests are able to more accurately show you the average, year-round radon levels in your home. If you used a DIY radon kit, or had a short-term test done in your home and found elevated radon levels, consider following up with a long-term test.

While DIY radon kits can give you a good idea of the radon levels in your home, it is recommended to follow up and positive DIY tests with a professional radon test. Short-term test that show elevated radon levels should be followed by either a long-term test or another short-term test; if radon levels in your home are indicated to be significantly higher than the 4 pCi/L, have another short-term test done immediately to determine the best solution as soon as possible. If you are in the process of selling your home, it is especially important to have professional radon tests done, as the benefits of radon testing may help improve the appeal of your home.

What to do if Radon Exposure is High in Your Iowa Home

If the DIY tests show a high concentration of radon in your home, you should have a professional radon mitigation specialist visit the home right way. The team at Ameriserv is dedicated to removing dangerous radon from your home to ensure the safety of you and your family. We will help determine where the radon is entering the home and install a radon mitigation system that is customized to your home. Common radon mitigation techniques involve drilling a hole in the slab for radon to escape the home, and using fans and PVC ventilation systems to collect radon in the air and channel it out and away from the home.

Contact Ameriserv for more information today. We are happy to provide the residents of Iowa with our professional radon mitigation and testing services.

Can Energy Efficiency Mean a Higher Chance of Radon in Your Iowa Home?

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Making your Iowa Home Energy Efficient Could Pose Radon Health Risks

Solutions for High Radon Levels in Energy Efficient Iowa Homes by AmeriservIn today’s world, homeowners seek to save as much money as possible while keeping their homes environmentally friendly. Reducing ventilation is one common way that this is done in homes. By sealing the home securely and ensuring that there are no gaps or cracks in the walls, the homeowners will significantly reduce the workload for the heating and cooling systems in the home. Not only does this lower the cost of the homeowner’s energy bills, but it is also a very “green” solution, since the less work the heater and air conditioner have to do, the less overall resources will be necessary to keep the home comfortable for the family.

There is, however, a drawback to having a home with little to no ventilation; the lack of ventilation in a home could lead to an increase in pollutants that enter the home from the soil beneath. One of the more common of these pollutants is radon, a colorless, odorless gas that is responsible for thousands of lung cancer related deaths throughout the country. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, the first being smoking. If you or a family member is exposed to a elevated amounts of radon., the results could be tragic.

There are many different ways that radon can enter your home:

  • Leakage: If your home has cracks in the foundation, gaps in walls or floors, or loose fitting pipe joints, radon could leak into the home through these spaces.
  • Exposed Soil: Because radon seeps into the home from the soil underneath, it is vital to make sure that there is no exposed soil in your home’s crawlspace or around the sump pump.
  • Water Supply: If you have well water in your home, you may be at risk of radon exposure, as the water may carry radon from the ground into your home.

One way to reduce radon in your home is to use ventilation systems to give the radon a way to escape. Without this, the radon could remain trapped in your home, building up a higher and higher concentration. This is why it is important to make sure that your home is equipped with a proper radon mitigation system.

How to Reduce Radon in You Energy Efficient Home

Investing in a radon mitigation system from Ameriserv radon could greatly reduce the dangers that energy efficient homes often produce. If you are afraid that your home contains high radon levels, do not hesitate to get in touch with a professional right away. There a just a few simple steps that you need to take to keep your home safe from the dangers of radon:

  • Contact a professional radon mitigation expert
  • Have your home tested for radon levels
  • Invest in a radon mitigation system to remove radon
  • Take preventative measures to keep radon out in the future

We can take care of the radon in your home in no time. There are a couple different types of radon testing that can be done to determine whether or not your home contains a high level of radon. The first testing method, short term testing, involves using charcoal canisters, electret ion chambers, continuous monitors, and liquid scintillation to determine the radon levels in your home. These test are normally completed in around 2-7 days. Long term tests can take 90 days or more, and use electret detectors or alpha track detectors to monitor the average radon levels in your home.

Once testing is completed, we can use radon mitigation techniques such as suction points in the slab, PVC ventilation systems, and fans to reduce the buildup of radon in your home. If you live in Iowa and are in search of a solution for the radon in your home, contact us as soon as possible.

Radon Basics in Iowa

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The Basic Facts About Radon

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that forms from the decay of uranium in rocks and
Radon mitigation in Iowa by AmerServ Radon Mitigationfilling the soil with radon. The entire state of Iowa is in the red zone for radon, meaning that every county in Iowa has the potential for higher than normal level of radon.

Radon can damage lung tissue, which increases the risk of lung cancer. It is estimated that there are 20,000 lung cancer death per year in the United States caused by radon. Radon can enter your home in many ways. Some of these are:

  • Cracks in the walls
  • Cracks in the floor
  • Gaps around pipes
  • Construction joints
  • Cavities inside the walls

Radon coming up through the soil and into your home, will build up and be trapped. The effects of radon can go completely unnoticed for years after exposure. Some of the symptoms that you may have from high levels of radon are:

  • Wheezing
  • Persistent cough
  • Heavy breathing
  • Lung infections

Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, doesn’t mean that you aren’t being harmed by high level of radon. A radon level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher is cause for concern. Even a level of 4 pCi/L can pose a risk. It is important to have a professional come and test your home for radon. The experts at AmeriServ Radon Mitigation has the equipment and expertise to come and test your home and offer radon mitigation to get this harmful gas out of your home.

Solutions for High Radon Levels in Your Iowa Home

AmeriServ Radon Mitigation can come and test your home through either short-term testing or long-term testing. S

Short term testing is done using several different methods:

  • Charcoal canisters – these canisters containers activate charcoal. Radon is absorbed into the charcoal and then is measured
  • Electret ion chamber – this method is used to measure radon in water
  • Continuous monitors – this monitors hour by hour measurement of radon
  • Liquid scintillation detectors – this method is similar to charcoal measurement except the analysis is accomplished by treating the charcoal with scintillation fluid and then analyzing the fluid using scintillation counter.

Short term testing is usually completed in 2 to 3 days.

Long term testing will last for 90 days or more. Radon can fluctuate through the year due to weather conditions, operation of furnaces and fireplaces and the opening and closing of windows and doors. Long term testing gives a more accurate reading to tell you your home’s year-round average radon level. Long term testing is done one of two ways:

  • Alpha track
  • Electret detectors

If the testing shows that your home is high in radon, AmeriServe Radon Mitigation will install a radon mitigation system. This system is done by drilling a hole in your foundation which creates a suction point. Then a PVC pipe is connected through this hole to use as a vent for the radon gas. A fan is then connected to the pipe to ensure that the air flow is in the right direction. This system will direct the radon from your home to the outside.

Don’t let radon become a health issue to you and your family. Let the professionals at AmeriServ Radon Mitigation test your Iowa home and offer you the solution you need to get this harmful gas out of your home. Contact us today!

PHYSICIAN’S IN IOWA HAVE A GUIDE FOR RADON

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Radon in Iowa is Radon Mitigation in Iowa by AmeriServa health threat. The US Environmental Protection Agency
has provided a guide to the physician’s of Iowa as to the the risks and
consequences of exposure to radon. The radon levels in Iowa are some of the
highest in the country. The entire state of Iowa is in the red zone,
meaning that every county in Iowa has above average radon levels.

Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Radon is
released by uranium-bearing rocks and soil as the uranium undergoes natural
radioactive decay. The gas moves through the soil and reaches the outdoor
air and can accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes and
businesses. The radon will enter the home or business through cracks and
openings, and becomes trapped inside. This can cause high indoor
concentrations. When this radon is inhaled, it can become a danger to the
lungs. Radon is the second cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette
smoking. Here are some of the ways that radon will enter your home or business:

  • Cracks in concrete slabs
  • Floor-wall joints
  • Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-brick foundation
  • Mortar joints
  • Loose fitting pipe
  • Open tops of block walls
  • Pores and cracks in concrete blocks
  • Exposed soil, as in a sump
  • Weeping drain tile, if drained to open sump

Physician’s are well aware of how radon can affect the health of their
patients. That is why they encourage patients to test for radon levels in
their homes. Knowing the levels in your home and having radon mitigation if
the levels are over 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) is important. AmeriServ
Radon Mitigation of Iowa can come and test your home or business and offer
radon mitigation if we find the levels to be high.

SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH RADON LEVELS

The professionals at AmeriServe Radon Mitigation of Iowa has the testing equipment and mitigation solutions for you in Iowa. We have short term testing and long term testing. The short term testing is used when there is a need to know the results quickly as in a real estate deal. There are a few method of doing short term testing:

  1. Charcoal canisters
  2. Electret ion chamber
  3. continuous monitors
  4. Liquid scintillation

Long term testing will last for 90 days or longer. The benefit of long term testing is that it will give a more accurate, year round average of the radon levels in your home. This prevents false negative or positive results because of a peak or valleys in the radon levels.

After testing, if the levels in your home or business are above 4pCi/L, the experts at AmeriServ will perform radon mitigation. The process of radon mitigation removes radon from your home and expels it to the outdoor air. To do this, we drill a hole in the foundation or slab, creating a suction point. Then a PVC pipe is connected through the hole to use as a vent for the radon gas. A fan is then connected to this system to ensure air flow in the right direction. this is usually installed in the attic of your home.

Don’t let radon in your Iowa home become a health issue for you and your family. Let AmeriServ conduct radon testing and give you the solution you need to remove the radon from your home or business.

AmeriServ Radon Mitigation of Iowa has a team that has been professionally trained by the State of Iowa and is certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your radon testing and radon mitigation needs. We have the solution for you! Contact us today!