Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas. It forms naturally as uranium in rocks and soil breaks down. It enters buildings through cracks and other openings in the foundation. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, testing is the only way to know whether it is present.

Yes. Any building with ground contact can have elevated radon levels, including homes, businesses, and other structures. Radon commonly enters buildings through openings such as floor-wall joints, foundation cracks, sump pumps, gaps around pipes and other penetrations.

Breathing in elevated levels of radon over time increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of radon exposure. The best goal is to keep indoor radon levels as low as reasonably possible.

Yes. Both Iowa and Wisconsin have areas with elevated indoor radon levels. The EPA identifies Iowa as a Zone 1 state, meaning its predicted average indoor radon screening level is greater than 4 pCi/L. Wisconsin also has significant radon concerns, with areas throughout the state experiencing elevated levels. The only way to know the radon level in a specific property is to test it.

Yes. If you live in Iowa or Wisconsin and you've never tested before, it is highly recommended that you test your home for radon gas.

The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years if you previously tested high and have since mitigated. Otherwise, testing is recommended every 5 years. You should also consider testing after major renovations and before buying or selling a home. 

DIY radon tests can be useful for basic screening, but radon levels naturally fluctuate with different kinds of weather, wind, temperature, and other conditions. DIY radon tests can’t capture those fluctuating levels and usually aren’t as accurate. TCO Radon uses Continuous Radon Monitoring to accurately record fluctuating radon levels throughout the testing period.

A continuous radon monitor records radon levels at regular intervals, so it provides a more detailed picture of how radon levels change over time. We usually recommend a 48-hour testing period. Once we pick our monitors up from your home, we will download the results and get them back to you ASAP—usually within the next day or so. This detailed data can help identify your average radon levels by catching spikes that may not be apparent from a single passive sample.

Professional continuous radon monitors provide several advantages over basic passive test kits. The results are recorded digitally, so there’s no need to mail a sample to a laboratory and wait days or weeks for your results. Here at TCO Radon, we have all of our equipment professionally calibrated every year so readings are always accurate and reliable. For homeowners who want a more detailed understanding of their property's radon levels and clear guidance about what to do next, professional continuous testing can provide greater insight than a basic DIY screening test.

There are two primary types of radon tests. Short-term tests measure radon over a relatively brief period—typically over a few days. This is the kind of testing TCO offers. Long-term tests measure radon for more than 90 days and can provide a better picture of a property's average radon exposure over time.

Consulting a qualified radon professional like TCO Radon is the best next step. Reducing high radon levels requires specialized technical knowledge and skills. Working with a contractor who specializes in radon reduction can help ensure that the best system for your property is designed and installed properly.

The EPA recommends taking action when radon levels are elevated, even though there is no completely safe level of exposure. If your test result is between 2 and 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends finding a preventative strategy or a way to reduce your radon levels. If the average of two short-term tests is 4 pCi/L or higher, or a long-term test measures 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon.

One of the most common radon mitigation methods is a soil depressurization system. This type of system uses a pipe and fan to draw radon from beneath the building and vent it safely outside before it can accumulate indoors. These systems typically do not require you to make major changes to your home. After testing, we will identify potential radon entry points and help find the best solution for your unique space.

Usually no. A typical soil depressurization system requires a vent pipe and fan to be installed, but does not require major structural changes to the home. TCO Radon can assess your property and recommend a mitigation approach based on the building and its radon levels.

Testing is not required for residential homes. Requirements differ for commercial properties. For example, Iowa and Wisconsin have specific radon testing and retesting requirements for childcare providers like daycares.

Iowa law mandates that all public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and licensed child care facilities must test for radon at least once every five years. These tests must be performed by state-certified professionals like TCO Radon. Daycares are required to test within their first year of opening. If radon levels meet or exceed the action threshold of 4.0 pCi/L, both schools and daycares are legally required to employ a credentialed specialist like TCO Radon to install an active mitigation system.

Wisconsin strictly requires all licensed child care centers to test for radon gas. Licensed daycares must test the lowest occupied level of their facility prior to opening and retest every two to five years depending on whether they operate out of a residential home or a commercial building. If radon levels meet or exceed the EPA action threshold of 4.0 pCi/L, providers are legally required to notify parents and install an active radon mitigation system within 12 months.

Since 2012, TCO Radon has provided radon testing and mitigation services for residential and commercial properties in Iowa and Wisconsin. We use professional continuous radon monitors for testing, can identify potential radon entry points, and interpret test results. We can also recommend and implement the most appropriate mitigation strategy for your property.