Radon levels in iowa

Is radon a problem in Iowa?

According to the EPA, the entire state of Iowa is considered at high risk for radon gas in homes. High levels of radon can be found in any type of home, so it is important for everyone to test their home.

Why is there so much radon in Iowa?

Iowa has the highest average indoor radon concentration in the nation due to our glacial history. As the glaciers came over Iowa , they deposited finely ground rocks that contain radium. Because the rocks that make up our soils are so finely ground, they have a large surface area to emit radon gas.

What should my radon level be?

According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0. For perspective, the average outdoor air level of radon is 0.4 pCi/L.

Is a radon level of 6 dangerous?

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.

Can you reduce radon by opening windows?

As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows . Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon -free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open .

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How common is radon in Iowa?

The Iowa Radon Survey has indicated that Iowa has the largest percentage (or 71.6%) of homes above the US Environmental Protection Agency action level of 4pCi/L. It is also designated by the US EPA as an entirely zone 1 state, which means that at least 50% of the homes are above US EPA’s recommended action level.

Where is Radon most commonly found?

Radon gas is a ubiquitous element found in rock and soil. The burning of coal and other fossil fuels also releases radon. When radon escapes from soil or is discharged from emission stacks to the outdoor air, it is diluted to levels that are normally, but not always, lower than indoor air.

What states have the most radon?

Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels: Alaska (10.7) South Dakota (9.6) Pennsylvania (8.6) Ohio (7.8) Washington (7.5) Kentucky (7.4) Montana (7.4) Idaho (7.3)

How much does radon mitigation cost in Iowa?

The cost of a radon mitigation system installed by a certified Iowa contractor is comparable to the price of other home improvements or maintenance, ranging from $800 to $2,500 depending on the characteristics of the home and the choice of radon reduction methods.

How long do you have to be exposed to radon for it to be harmful?

Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.

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Is radon a deal breaker?

Radon is a radioactive gas that emanates naturally from soil and rock. Every year in the U.S. some 21,000 people die because of radon . Radon has a nickname that could easily scare away any potential home buyer: “The Silent Killer.” But there’s no need for radon to be a deal – breaker in any real estate transaction.

Does finishing basement reduce radon levels?

Radon levels are above recommended EPA levels . Radon levels must be reduced even if you are not finishing your basement . Because it comes from the ground, radon levels are usually highest in basements .

How dangerous is a radon level of 7?

Radon Risk If You Have Never Smoked

Radon Level If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*
10 pCi/L About 18 people could get lung cancer
8 pCi/L About 15 people could get lung cancer
4 pCi/L About 7 people could get lung cancer
2 pCi/L About 4 person could get lung cancer

Is it OK to live in a house with radon?

There are no safe levels of radon , and there’s no way to eradicate it. In homes where there are smokers present and smoking indoors (instead of outside), the risk of developing lung cancer will be much higher. Levels above 4 pCi/L are considered actionable, so those are in the dangerous levels of radon for indoors.

What time of year are radon levels highest?

LEVELS of radon gas in the soil may be as much as 10 times higher in the summer than in the winter, when most testing for the cancer-causing gas is done, a Pennsylvania State University study has found.

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