Indoor Air Quality Services in Central Iowa

We remove airborne pollutants that may be making your family sick

5 Danger Levels of Indoor Air Quality

These are the 5 danger levels of indoor air quality. For each danger level, there is a solution to reduce health risks.

Iowa Radon Defense is proud to be a trusted National Radon Defense dealer in Central Iowa. As part of the National Radon Defense network, our team is highly trained and has received the certifications necessary to prevent radon gas from entering your home and alleviate a wide variety of indoor air pollutants. We also go through extensive training to understand and educate our customers about overall indoor air quality. 

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified 5 Danger Levels for potential indoor air risks. In addition to measuring and mitigating radon levels, we have solutions to reduce risks for all 5 danger levels, which include particles, allergens, chemical pollutants, mold spores, and high humidity.

When you partner with Iowa Radon Defense, you can rely on our professionals to educate you about your overall indoor air quality and provide ways to improve your air, such as installing an indoor air cleaner, dehumidifier system, or a combination of solutions.

Call us at 1-515-416-8521 or reach out online today to schedule an appointment for our indoor air quality solutions. Our services are available in Ankeny, Des Moines, Ames, and throughout Central Iowa.

How various pollutants affect your home

There are five levels of dangerous indoor air pollution, with "dangerous gases” being the most serious. Use the information and videos provided below to learn more about each level and how they apply to your Iowa home. 

Danger Level 5: Dangerous Gases

Radon and carbon monoxide are potentially deadly gases that exist in many homes across the United States, with approximately one in fifteen homes containing elevated levels of radon gas. These gases are particularly concerning because they are odorless, tasteless, and invisible — making them hard to detect.

Radon gas occurs naturally as uranium in soil and rock decays. It frequently enters the home through cracks and penetrations in concrete slabs and foundations.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and wood stoves. Idling automobiles and outdoor power equipment also produce CO.

Together, radon and carbon monoxide are responsible for thousands of deaths every year in the United States and Canada. In fact, radon-caused lung cancer kills 15,000 to 21,000 people a year in the U.S. alone.

Danger Level 4: Microbial Growth

Fungi such as mold and mildew can cause a wide variety of ailments. As these micro-organisms grow, they produce microscopic spores that can travel on air currents from their sources to all areas within the home. They are so tiny they can easily enter your lungs as you inhale.

Individuals react to these microbial in different ways, depending on their sensitivity. Reactions range from mild to severe. Symptoms include nose and throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, wheezing, eye irritation, skin irritation, shortness of breath, and asthma flares. Excessive mold has been linked to the development of asthma in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunocompromised people and those with chronic lung disease have a greater risk of opportunistic fungal infections.

Danger Level 3: Allergens & Particulates

Common allergens and particulates include dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke (both wood and tobacco), vehicle exhaust, and insect debris. Those who have been exposed to indoor air pollutants may experience symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, runny noses, congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and asthma flares. Even worse, having particulates in the air can significantly increase the danger of radon gas. When gas particles attach to dust and smoke particles, they are inhaled and lodge themselves in lung tissue.

Iowa Radon Defense’s strategies for reducing allergens and particulates include dehumidification and the installation of an electronic air filter or energy recovery ventilator in existing HVAC systems.

Danger Level 2: Infectious Illnesses

Indoor air pollution includes airborne bacteria and viruses. Such contaminants are carried into the home by family members and pets. Infectious diseases can include either bacterial diseases such as streptococcus, pneumococcus, and tuberculosis or viral diseases such as influenza, RSV, pneumonia, common cold viruses, and SARS. The health effects associated with this danger level are sinusitis, upper respiratory issues, throat and ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Iowa Radon Defense highly-effective air filtration solutions can reduce the presence of viruses and bacteria in your home.

Danger Level 1: Toxic Compounds

As homes become tighter and more energy efficient, concentrations of toxic compounds can build up and cause negative health effects. Toxic compounds may be generated inside the home by building materials, furniture, carpets, paints, solvents, cleaning chemicals, and personal care products. They may also be transported into the home from outside. Pesticides, for example, may be tracked into the home on shoes or on the paws of pets. Dry-cleaned clothing is carried in on hangers. Toxic compounds include formaldehyde, methylene chloride, acetone, benzene, toluene, and many other carcinogens. Short-term health effects associated with this danger level include memory lapse, mild depression, lung dysfunction, blurred vision, headaches, and lethargy. Long-term exposure to high levels of these compounds may cause cancer and affect the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Schedule a radon test today

Do you think you might have a radon problem or other indoor air quality problem in your home? Learn more about radon testing and when it's smart to have a radon mitigation system installed.

Give us a call at 1-515-416-8521 or fill out our free estimate form to schedule an appointment for radon testing. We are the trusted radon mitigation company in Waterloo, West Des Moines, Johnston, Waukee, Clive, Altoona, Indianola and surrounding areas of Iowa.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.