Tag Archives: radon levels

Iowa Radon: Knowing Fact from Fiction

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The Truth about Radon in Iowaradon testing, mitigation, iowa

Did you know that Iowa is known to have the highest average levels of radon in the United States? Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive, colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that can reside in Iowa homes. Radon gas is the product of decomposing uranium in the soil. It travels up through the soil and into homes through cracks in the foundation. Though even low levels of radon gas can cause problems, high levels can lead to health issues such as lung infections and even lung cancer. Radon gas is thought to be the cause of up to 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. It is almost completely undetectable, except through radon testing.

Regular radon testing is the best way to be safe from the effects of radon gas. The best times to get radon testing are during home inspections, especially before buying a home, but testing once a year is best. It is not just homes that can be effected, either. Homes, businesses, schools, churches; any structure can be effected. If high levels of radon are found, radon mitigation is the next step. Just like any other danger in your home, you want to find a way to get rid of it as soon as possible without anyone being harmed. Well, it is the same with radon gas. Rather than waiting until someone is sick, get radon mitigation right away.

Radon Mitigation in Iowa from Ameriserv

The best way to rid your home, business, school, or church of radon gas is through radon mitigation. You can also seal any cracks or holes in your foundation to prevent future radon gas getting into your home. Radon mitigation is a process through which a series of vents and fans are installed to clear out radon gas and lower radon levels. Some new construction homes in Iowa are even pre-installing radon mitigation systems to prevent high radon gas levels.

Ameriserv can offer Iowa homes, business, churches, and schools with both radon testing and radon mitigation. We want you to be safe, happy, and healthy in your Iowa home, so make sure to get regular radon testing. Contact us today to learn more about radon gas, radon testing, and radon mitigation. Our service area covers a large part of Iowa, including Des Moines, Ankeny, Sioux City, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City. Give us a call today!

Mandatory Radon Testing in Iowa Schools

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Iowa Schools may Require Radon Testingradon testing iowa schools

For many years, it has been known that Iowa has the highest radon levels in the country. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and radioactive gas that can lead to a variety of health problems, especially with long-term exposure, such as in a home or school. This gas is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, making this a dangerous chemical that should be avoided at all costs.

There has been a debate as to whether schools should undergo regular mandatory radon testing to reduce the risk of exposure for students. Because children are attending school every day, long-term exposure is possible, which has been known to lead to lung-cancer. This is why radon testing is being considered mandatory in Iowa schools.

Radon Testing and Mitigation for Iowa Schools

Some believe the schools will not have enough funding, and that radon testing is a low priority. The price of a radon test for a school is about $700, but this would ensure that schools receive quality radon tests. Many schools say they do not test for radon regularly, if at all. It is up to the people and school boards to decide.

Contact AmeriServ today to learn more about our service area, radon testing, or radon mitigation. We want to answer any questions you have concerning radon, and we will try to help in any way we can. Give us a call today!

Radon: Environmental Carcinogen

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Radon as an Environmental Carcinogen in Iowa

Carcinogens are defined as any substance that is directly related to causing cancer. There are a number of different types of carcinogens that work on the body in various ways to cause cancer. Many of these substances are radioactive, but a carcinogen does not have to be radioactive to cause cancer. Most people think of carcinogens as man-made materials and chemicals, but certain carcinogens exist naturally. In order to best protect yourself from the risk of developing cancer, it is important to be aware of the most common carcinogens in your area, and to take the necessary steps to avoid them. If you live in Iowa, one of the carcinogens that you need to be concerned about is radon.

Radon is a radioactive gas, a carcinogen, that occurs naturally as part of the decaying process of uranium. Most often, radon is produced by decaying uranium in the soil, where it seeps up into the air and enters your home. If you breathe too much of this gas over time, it can increase your chances of developing lung cancer.

Environmental Carcinogen Radon in Your Iowa HomeThe properties of radon make it very difficult to detect:

  • Colorless
  • Odorless
  • Tasteless
  • Very Dense
  • Chemically Unreactive

These characteristics make radon undetectable by the human senses. The best way to check for a radon problem in your home is to invest in radon testing and mitigation services from a professional mitigation company. The team at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation of Iowa can help you ensure that the radon levels in your home are not at an unsafe level.

Testing for Radon in Your Iowa Home

It is important to the health of you and your family that you test your home for radon and invest in mitigation services to reduce the radon levels if they are too high. In the United States, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind only tobacco. In the state of Iowa alone, lung cancer caused by radon exposure kills over 400 people every year: five out of every seven homes in the state have elevated radon levels. So how do you protect yourself from this invisible, undetectable carcinogen?

Testing for the Carcinogen Radon in Iowa Homes from Ameriserv

The best way to ensure you and your family are not exposed to radon is to have your home tested for radon. Radon Testing in Iowa can determine the level of radon in your home and help you decide whether or not you need to investigate mitigation methods to get rid of the gas. Here at Ameriserv, we offer a couple of different testing options – short-term tests, long-term tests, and even DIY radon-testing kits. If your home has a radon level of higher than 4.0 pCi/L, it is time to get professional help.

Contact the radon mitigation and testing team at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation as soon as possible. We are committed to keeping Iowans safe from this harmful environmental carcinogen.

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!

What to Do When You Suspect You Have Been Exposed to Radon?

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Radon Exposure in Iowa

Radon Exposure and Health Risks in IowaElevated levels of radon in your home could be a major health concern for you and your family. Five out of every seven homes in Iowa have elevated levels of radon in them. Every year, about 400 Iowans die due to radon exposure, which is the number two cause of lung cancer. This is why it is so important to make sure that your home is free of radon. Ameriserv can help you with all of the tests and precautions to prevent radon from causing health issues for you and your family.

We offer several different options for radon testing as well as radon
mitigation. Our professionals can administer short-term and long-term tests to check the radon levels in your home. We also offer a $15 dollar at home radon detector kit so that you can begin the radon testing process on your own.

By what should you do if you think you may have been exposed to radon? The first step to take if you suspect radon exposure is to look for the common symptoms that are associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of radon. These symptoms include:

  • Lung Infections
  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing
  • Heavy breathing

These are a few of the common signs that you may have been exposed to radon. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek help immediately in order to prevent any further health problems. Mor information on the health risks of radon can be found on the EPA Radon Guide webpage.

What to Do to Prevent Radon Exposure in Your Iowa Home

Most major health problems associated with radon take several years to develop. That is why it is vital to take care of any radon problems in
your home right away to prevent prolonged exposure.

Radon Mitigation in Iowa to Prevent Health ProblemsThis can be done by first administering radon tests in your home. If you think you have already been exposed to radon, it may be wise to try a short-term radon test. This can give you an idea of the radon levels in your home. If the test results show a high radon level, contact a professional for further testing, or to have a radon mitigation system installed.

Ameriserv can install a radon mitigation system to effectively reduce the amount of radon in your home. To install this system, we drill a hole in your foundation to create a suction point. Next, attach PVC pipe to the hole to act as a vent for the gas. A fan is then used to make sure that the air flow is properly directed. With this system running continuously, radon will be able to exit your home, reducing the health risks for you and your family.

Contact the experts at Ameriserv for more information on what to do if you suspect a radon issue in your home, and check out the EPA Radon Guide for even more information. We offer quality testing and
mitigation services to those in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area.

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 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!