Why is Radon Testing So Important in Iowa and Nebraska
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that enters homes through cracks, holes, or any other opening you may have in your home. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined 4.0 pCi/L as the level at that action needs to be taken to reduce the level. Even small amounts of radon are not safe. Radon is the result of uranium decay in the soil, and the soil in Iowa and Nebraska is rich in uranium, that is why Iowa and Nebraska have high radon levels. As uranium decays, the radioactive gas migrates through the soil and enters the home. Iowa is located in the red zone, indicating that Iowa has a very high potential for elevated levels of radon gas. The average indoor radon concentration in Iowa is 8.5 pCi/L. That is more than six times the national average. The average level in the state of Nebraska is 5.0 pCi/L.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking. Radon combined with dust, aerosols, and smoke is readily deposited in the airways of the lungs and can damage the cells lining the airways, causing cancer. Measurement is the only reliable way to determine the levels of radon in your Iowa and Nebraska home. Jerry’s Waterproofing is a licensed provider to test radon levels in your Iowa or Nebraska home. We will ensure you a safe and healthier home.
The short-term radon measurement is designed to give a quick measurement of the radon level in your home. This is done when the results need to be read quickly as in for a real estate transaction. These tests usually take 3-4 days. The long-term radon measurement is placed inside homes and left for more than 90 days. These tests provide a more accurate radon measurement in your home year-round since radon levels can be affected by climate changes.
What is Radon Mitigation?
After it is determined that your home has a high level of radon, the experts at Jerry’s Waterproofing will install a radon mitigation system to reduce the level of radon in your Iowa or Nebraska home. The method that we use is a Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) system. This method involves using a fan and PVC pipe to draw air from below the sub-flooring and exhausts it to the outside. The fan creates a vacuum under the sub-flooring and pulls the radon to the outside air away from windows and other openings in your home. Jerry’s Waterproofing has the specialists to install this system and it takes less than a day to complete.
Jerry’s Waterproofing will design the radon mitigation system to fit your specific home’s structure needs. We will determine the proper radon mitigation system for your home. To ensure that the system is reducing the levels of radon, we will come back and retest it several weeks after installation.
Contact the professionals at Jerry’s Waterproofing for all of your radon mitigation system needs. Our employees are trained and have taken the examinations to become licensed in radon mitigation. To ensure that your home is safe from radon, let us come and test for radon levels and install the system needed to reduce your levels of radon. There is no known safe level of exposure to radon. It is recommended by the EPA to have radon mitigation if your test shows 4 pCi/L or more but you should also consider it if the levels show between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
Where Can I Get More Information on Radon?
Jerry’s Waterproofing is a licensed company in Nebraska and Iowa. We perform radon testing and mitigation so your family can stay safe from radon exposure. If you never tested your home or business for radon, you should do so. Educating homeowners about the dangers of radon gas is essential to keep your family safe. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to assist you.
If you need additional information, you can also contact the EPA. The EPA provides free information about exposure levels and testing options for your home. Visit epa.gov/radon Another good source from the EPA is Consumers and Homeowners: Testing and Fixing Your Home.
Protect your family today! If you need radon testing and mitigation in Iowa and Nebraska, contact us immediately. Our experts undergo extensive training, including examinations and courses, to become qualified radon mitigation contractors in Iowa and Nebraska. We will come out and survey your home to provide the best solution for you. After all, your family’s safety is our number one priority. Call Jerry’s Waterproofing today to schedule an appointment!