Cedar Valley Radon Mitigation
My name is Dan McCrary, radon mitigation specialist, licensed in the state of Iowa, and certified through the NRPP ready to provide expert radon mitigation services to the Cedar Valley and beyond.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium and radium in soil and bedrock, drawn into the homes through the foundation walls, floor, or even water.
When radon is breathed in, the alpha particles released as radon decays cling to lung tissue and cause DNA mutations in the cells, which can be cancer causing.
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States right behind smoking, and the number 1 leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths per year. The EPA recommends taking corrective action when indoor radon levels reach 4.0 pCi/L, however, no amount of radon is safe. Since radon is completely undetectable by human senses, the only way to know if your home is affected is to test!
What is radon, and how does it affect me?
Common Mitigation Methods
Every home is different, which is why radon mitigation systems are tailored to your foundation type, and they are all proven to effectively reduce radon entry. All systems use a continuously running fan and are designed to create negative pressure beneath the slab. By connecting to a sump pit, or by coring a hole into the slab, a vent pipe is then connected to a radon fan and vented safely outside before it can enter your home. Homes with crawl spaces use sub-membrane depressurization, where a heavy-duty plastic barrier is laid over the exposed soil and a fan draws radon from beneath it. All of these active systems are far superior to passive approaches like simply sealing cracks or opening windows. An active system runs 24/7, maintaining consistent negative pressure beneath your home regardless of weather, season, or occupancy, making it a permanent and proven solution. After any system is installed, a follow-up radon test is always recommended to confirm levels have been reduced below the EPA's action level of 4.0 pCi/L — and with a properly installed active system, most homes see reductions of up to 99%.
Contact
If you have any questions about radon, or you are looking for a free estimate for a mitigation system for you home, reach out today! I’ll get back to you ASAP!