Outside, radon levels are low because the gas dissipates. The danger of radon occurs when the gas seeps into our homes through natural pressure processes and becomes trapped and concentrated in our homes. When we breathe this radioactive gas into our lungs, it has serious health consequences. Radon is measured in pCi/Ls, and even at 4 pCi/L (the EPA action level), it’s like smoking 8 cigarettes a day or like having 200 chest x-rays a year. Iowa’s average indoor radon level is 8.5, which is double the EPA action level! (At 8.5 pCi/L, it is equivalent to smoking 17 cigarettes a day or like having 425 chest x-rays a year!)
Approximately 400 Iowans die every year from radon-induced lung cancer. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking, and many of these cases could be prevented by limiting indoor radon gas levels.
The only way to know radon levels of your home is to
take a test. It doesn’t matter what your neighbor’s levels are, radon gas levels are specific to your home. If your home levels are at 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends you take actions to mitigate in order to reduce your exposure to the radioactive cancer-causing gas. If your home levels are between 2-4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends you strongly consider taking action to mitigate. Radon is radiation, so it is important to limit your exposure as much as possible.
We are Iowa's #1 Radon Company, and we are committed to keeping your family safe from radon's harmful effects. If you have questions about your radon levels, please feel free to give us a call. We love talking about radon! For more radon information, and to stay connected,
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