Radon Tests High in the Region

1/3/2012

While the EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon gas regardless of location, some areas have a higher potential for radon screening than others. Iowa (see map above) is one of those areas. Several counties in northwest Missouri and eastern Nebraska also have a high potential for radon gas. See the related article above for more information on radon testing.

EPA offers the Directory of Builders as a one-stop service to home buyers who are looking for builders that use radon-resistant construction techniques in new homes. The Directory contains the names of builders using RRNC who have voluntarily registered with EPA. EPA encourages all builders that use the recommended radon-resistant techniques to be listed in the Directory. Read more about Radon-Resistant New Construction.

What the colors mean*

Red             High Potential for Radon
Orange    Moderate Potential
Yellow   Low Potential

*The predicted average indoor radon screening level exceeds 4 picocuries per liter (high), 2-4 pCi/L (moderate), less than 2 pCi/L (low).

Protect the health of your family. According to the EPA, among nonsmoking Americans radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths, with an estimated 20,000 each year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk. The key is to have your home tested for radon. If high levels are detected, you can fix the problem.

Choose a qualified contractor

If your home is found to have high levels of radon, a trained contractor with technical knowledge can help you pick the right treatment method. As with any home repair, it is a good idea to ask for references and get more than one estimate. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Advanced Restoration Services is certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health to test your home or business for radon. We are moving toward becoming your local radon mitigation specialist.

If you plan to fix your home's radon problem yourself, you should first contact your state radon office for guidance. See the EPA website for more information. Also, check out A Citizens Guide to Radon.