Radon Testing

RADON TESTING IN SCHOOLS

Protect our children and teachers by getting your school tested for Radon. The EPA recommends testing in all schools for radon. Schools are exposed to the same risks for radon as homes and workplaces are. Children are not too young to get lung cancer from Radon, their lungs function a bit differently than those of fully grown adults. Because of this they are considered more susceptible to the negative effects of radon than adults are.

Though children might be more susceptible and exposed to the level of radon in their home 70% more than their adult counterparts, the number that develop lung cancer in childhoods is quite low. Most of the people that develop lung cancer due to radon exposure are typically over the age of 35. With this in mind though, exposure to high levels of radon beginning at a young age can lead to a higher risk of developing lung cancer later in life.

Many of the teachers in schools are at a prime age for developing lung cancer from radon exposure. Let’s work together to stop deaths from radon. From testing in schools, education for parents and students about the dangers of radon in the home and home testing, we prevent up to 22,000 deaths a year.

TESTING IN HOME

Radon gets into your home through cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around services pipes, cavities inside walls and through your water supply. the gas is put off by the decay of uranium in the soil underneath and around your home. The gas rises up into your home through the cracks and unnoticeable lesions in the foundation and structure of your home. The gas then gets trapped inside of your home and over time can build up. In every ten homes throughout Iowa 5-7 of them have radon levels above 4pCi/L, the level of radon at which the EPA recommends having a certified contractor mitigate the problem.

Many children spend on average 70% more time in their home that their adult counterparts, so even though you may be out of your home with high levels of radon in it your children are not.

2 Ways to Test

Short Term Testing

Short term radon testing is the fastest way to test for radon in your home. Depending on the device testing can take two days to 90 days. Radon levels are likely to vary from day to day and season to season so short term test are not as accurate as long term tests. It is recommended that two short term radon tests are conducted to see whether or not your home needs to be mitigated.

Long Term Testing

Long Term Testing occurs for more than 90 days. This testing form takes longer but gives you a better idea of your year round radon levels and a more accurate reading for your average radon level. Have a more accurate reading means that you can make the decision to mitigate and fix the radon problem confidently.

TESTING IN WORKPLACE

Mines and Buildings that are underground have the highest risk of exposure to elevated levels of radon. High concentrations of radon and occur in tunnels, power stations, caves, public baths and spas. This occurs because of the radon gas emitted into the air by rock and soil and from radon-rich water. Miners are exposed to the highest levels of radon and workers that process certain minerals are also at risk to being exposed to significant levels of radon. It is important to test all workplaces though, especially ones with floors underground as they are exposed to the same risks that homes are.

Contact us today to schedule a radon test for your workplace.