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| What is Radon? |
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| Radon is a radioactive gas which is created from the natural
radioactive breakdown of uranium. The radon gas is in the soil
and gets into the air you breathe through cracks in the
foundation walls, floors, and other entry points of your home. The concentration of
radon in the home is measured in picocuries per liter of air
(pCi/L} The U.S. environmental protection Agency (EPA} and the
Surgeon General strongly recommend taking action when the home's
radon test results are 4.0 pCi/L or greater. Radon levels less
than 4.0 pCi/L still pose some risk and steps can be taken to
further reduce these radon levels. Radon is considered the
second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Various
studies of have revealed that with prolonged exposure to
elevated concentrations of radon, there is a greater risk of
developing lung cancer. Smokers and former smokers are at a
higher risk level than non smokers. |
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| What is the
Risk? |
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| Radon is considered the
second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, resulting in
thousands of deaths each year in the United States. The American
Medical Association, the American Lung Association (ALA), and
the Surgeon General, and other confirm that radon is a leading
environmental health risk. Various
studies of have revealed that with prolonged exposure to
elevated concentrations of radon, there is a greater risk of
developing lung cancer. Smokers and former smokers are at a
higher risk level than non smokers. As radon decays and is
inhaled into the lungs, its byproducts release energy that can
damage sensitive lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. If you have a son or
daughter with a bedroom in the basement their radon exposure
will be greater than at the 1st and 2nd floor of the dwelling.
Testing the home is the only way to know the radon level and
your family's risk exposure. We have found a number of
homes with radon levels at 35-40 pCi/L, and as high as 80 pCi/L. |
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| Iowa
Radon Levels |
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