Radon Testing Becoming More Popular in Iowa
by: Brian Wentz
January is Radon Awareness month! Not more than a few years ago no one was talking about this colorless odorless gas that seems to emit from the soil. But more and more I am receiving request from home owners and consumers who want buy a home in Des Moines, and are tuned into the issue.
The Iowa Department of public health reports that 7 out of 10 homes in Iowa show elevated levels of radon, above the "action level" of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
If radon is somethingyou have a concern about, you can hire one of a number of inspectors to set a recording device that will track indoor radon levels over a 24 to 72 hour period. If you plan to buy a home in Des Moines, or anywhere in Iowa, you may want to include a radon test as part of your home inspection. Costs range in the neighborhood of $150.00.
Here, Kevin Nelson of Pillar To Post is seen setting a radon level recorder in a home for sale in Urbandale Iowa. Kevin can be reached at 515-331-0787 or 515-559-4712.
Other inspectors can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book, and more information is available at the Iowa Department of Health's Radon Information Page, or Radon.Org.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
RADON GETS IN THROUGH:
- Cracks in solid floors
- Construction joints
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
Homes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa including Urbandale, Clive, Beaverdale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee.
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Brian and Beth serve the Des Moines, Iowa Real Estate markets including the suburbs of Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Grimes and Clive, among others.
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Brian, that radon's bad stuff, and sneaky too!
I've noticed that folks seem to get put off when they see an abatement system, though many homes without it probaly have high levels. Ingnorance is bliss I suppose. Iowa's an active radon area and it's pretty prevalent. Often sellers ask me if they should test for radon. I reply that if they want to find it, all they have to do is test for it.
You didn't mention here what I heard Don Wagner mention in pre-license courses, the risk of developing cancer from radon exposures goes up 50x if you're a smoker. I'm pretty sure that's backed up by EPA data. Great post. Cheers!
PS That Kevin is a super guy. His daughter has great qualities as well. What a team!
This is really good information! Around here, it has been pretty similar...no one really placing much emphasis on the effects of radon. I think education will change that trend. GREAT STUFF!
Matt: You are right- I forgot completely about the smoking link! I agree on Kevin- he is a pretty good guy.
Elizabeth: Education is such a big part, no doubt about it!