The original item was published from January 18, 2018 9:40 AM to January 18, 2018 9:50 AM
What is RADON you ask?
It is a radioactive gas and comes from the natural decay of uranium in the soil.
RADON gas is invisible, odorless and tasteless. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking.
What about Iowa?
Iowa is the state with the highest average RADON level in the country. Studies have found that 70% of homes in Iowa have RADON above the action level* (See definition below). You may ask yourself why this is. It has to do with glacial movement. What gave Iowa its wonderfully rich, finely ground soil perfect for agriculture during the glacier movement also allows for a large surface area that emits RADON gas.
How does it get into my home?
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home, then traps the RADON inside and it continues to build up. Any home may have a RADON problem, no matter its age.
TAKE ACTION NOW. GET YOUR HOME TESTED!
- Don't Panic: It can be dealt with over a period of time without great exposure.
- Test In Winter: Because this is the heating season, this is the best time to test but you can test at any time of the year.
- Arrange for Radon Detection: Call 515-281-4928 for a list of Iowa Radon measurement specialists. You can also purchase kits from your local hardware store or Air Check. You may also call the Iowa Radon Hotline at 1-800-383-5992
- First conduct a short term test.
- Follow-up Measurements: These may used to determine if you need to lower radon levels in your home.
- If the result of your short term measurement is between 4 picocuries per Liter, pCi/L (A standard measurement for radon; 4 pCi/L being the action level) and 8 pCi/L do a follow-up measurement with a long-term detector.
- There are corrective measures that can be taken. You may need the help of a professional. Make sure they are certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health.