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Radon Levels & Testing in Iowa Counties

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High Radon Levels in Many Iowa Counties

Are you in danger of having high radon levels in your home? Iowa is the state with the highest average radon level in the country. Why are radon levels in Iowa so high? Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed during the breakdown of radium in the ground. Radon levels are particularly high in Iowa due to glaciers that deposited finely-ground soil in the area. The large surface area of this soil allows it to emit a lot of radon gas.

The following map shows radon levels by county throughout the United States. Notice that Iowa contains several more counties with elevated radon levels (indicated by red) than most other states.high radon levels in iowa counties

You may be wondering why this is such a big deal. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and kills around 400 Iowans every single year. In fact, radon is the second leading cause o lung cancer next to smoking – prolonged radon exposure causes up to 20,000 cases of lung cancer per year.

This means that radon can pose a serious threat to Iowa residents. The average concentration of radon indoors in Iowa is 8.5 pCi/L, which is over six times the national average. Because it is impossible to detect radon in your home, you should have your home professionally tested as soon as possible.

Reduce Radon Levels in Your Iowa Home

Ameriserv Radon Mitigation of Iowa can test your home for radon and provide mitigation services to reduce high radon levels. We offer both short-term and long-term radon testing to determine if you are in need of radon mitigation services to lower radon levels. We also offer DIY Radon testing kits. If you choose to perform a DIY test and the results show a high radon level, you should follow up with a professional test to get a more accurate idea of radon levels.

radon levels by county in iowaIf we find that the radon levels in your home are higher than the recommended 4.0 pCi/L in your home, we can install a radon mitigation system. These systems use fans and pipes to reroute radon from the basement (or ground level of the home) upwards, where it is then vented out of the home.

Radon often enters the home through the basement, or through cracks in the foundation. In addition to mitigation, it may be beneficial to ensure that foundation cracks in your home are repaired. This will further prevent radon from entering the home.

If you live in Iowa, you are in danger of high radon levels and should have your home tested as soon as possible. However, certain counties are even more at risk for high radon levels. Click here to find an interactive map that shows average radon levels in your county – and do not hesitate to contact Ameriserv for an appointment today. See the map on the right to find out if we serve your Iowa county.

Radon Mitigation Cost in Iowa

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Radon Mitigation Cost Iowa

If you haven’t tested your home for radon, don’t panic. At AmeriServ Radon Mitigation of Iowa, we can test your home’s radon levels. It may be cheaper to test radon levels yourself, but AmeriServ provides accurate testing at affordable rates. We can also perform radon mitigation at your home, if your home tests positive for radon. AmeriServ is your low radon mitigation cost Iowa team.

Radon Mitigation Cost IowaRadon is found all over the United States. It is a odorless, radioactive gas emitted from the natural breakdown of uranium and radium.  No home or building is immune from radon.  Radon enters the house through cracks in solid floors, construction joints, wall cracks, the water supply, and wall cavities. It can be found in any type of building.

Your risk of developing lung cancer depends on the radon levels in your home. The length of exposure time also has a huge factor. Radon gas enters the lungs and emits alpha particles. These particles are absorbed by lung tissue, which causes lung cell damage.

The best way to test your radon levels, it to call AmeriServ Radon Mitigation Iowa. We can test your home at affordable rates. We have short and long-term tests. It may be cheaper to purchase a short-term test at your local hardware store, but AmeriServ can perform accurate testing to assure your family is safe. At AmeriServ, our short term testing includes charcoal canisters, electret chamber, and continuous monitors. Because radon levels vary day to day, the long-term test is the best test. They remain in your home for more than 90 days. We use alpha track and electret detectors. This type of test is more accurate because it measures your levels throughout the season.

If your home is being built, ask about radon-resistant construction for new homes. Find out if the builder specializes in radon resistant construction. Choosing radon-resistant construction, can save you time and money in the long run.

AmeriServ Iowa Radon Mitigation can perform professional radon mitigation, if your home tests positive for high radon levels.  We are your affordable radon mitigation cost Iowa team. Our mitigation team can perform various mitigation techniques depending on your home and the extent of the problem.  High levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. EPA recommends levels below 4 pCi/L.

EPA recommends every home should be tested for radon. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer. At AmeriServ Radon Mitigation Iowa, our professionals can fix your radon problems. We can also perform radon mitigation at your home, if your home tests positive for radon. AmeriServ is your low radon mitigation cost Iowa team. Contact us today!

Iowa Radon Map: What it means for Iowa Residents

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Iowa Radon Map

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the state of Iowa a level of high risk for the gas radon. As you can see by the map to the right, all of Iowa counties are in red. Red is the highest level of predicted average indoor radon screening level that is greater than 4 pCi/L. High levels of radon in your home, business or school can cause lung cancer according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Since radon gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, you can see why it is such a dangerous gas. With the help of a qualified company like AmeriServ Radon Mitigation Iowa, you can have your home tested to make sure the levels fall below the recommended amounts.

Why does Iowa have such a high levels of radon? During the Ice Age glaciers moved over the land breaking up and carrying rocks from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario to Iowa. With the movement of the glaciers these rocks got smaller and smaller increasing the surface area allowing radon to escape easier. Over more time the rain, freezing, thawing, plant roots, and exposure to oxygen, break down the rocks even more creating more surface area for the radon to escape. So all of these crushed up rocks filled with uranium and radium now cover the state of Iowa.

All across Iowa homes, businesses and schools have been built on soil that has radon in it. The pressure in the house or building is lower than the pressure around the foundation. The difference in the pressure works like a vacuum drawing the radon into your home through any cracks or openings. Your family now is breathing the radon gas and their health is a risk of getting lung cancer.

AmeriServ Radon Mitigation Iowa is the company to call to have your house or business tested for any levels of concern. Checking the Iowa radon map above will make you want to take precautions to protect your family. Our company can install a vent system and fan to pull the radon from beneath your house to the outside. We are your radon mitigation Iowa service provider. This is great since there is no major changes to your house or landscape. Cracks in the foundation will need to be sealed to prevent radon seeping into your house. When the levels are high, you will need to find a trained contractor that has the knowledge and skills to study your home and plan the treatment that is best for your situation. As a homeowner, you should also get references and maybe more than one estimate. Once the work is done, be sure to set up a retest at a later date. AmeriServ Radon Mitigation Iowa is a trusted and reliable company that can take of your radon concerns.