Information taken from the Iowa AIR Coalition

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless. It originates in the soil from the natural decay of uranium that exists in or below most soils.

The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United STates.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes approximately 21,000 deaths per year nationally - most of these are preventable.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a recommended radon action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). They recommend that all Iowa homes be tested for radon and fixed if over 4 pCi/L.

Iowa has the highest percentage of home above 4 pCi/L. Even radon levels below 4 pCi/L pose some risk, and in many cases, can be reduced.

 
1. TEST for radon. Each house can have different levels of radon and should be individually tested. (Test at least twice if first test is high)

2. FIX home if levels are high (4 pCi/L or more). A list of certified testing and mitigation contractors is available from the Iowa Department of Public Health at 800-383-5992. The average cost is $800 - $2,000.

Note: A single short-term test should not be used as a basis to mitigate your home as radon levels may fluctuate over the short-term time period. The average of at least 2 short-term radon tests, or one long-term test, or a professional continuous monitor test should be used to determine if the house needs to be fixed or not.

Hardin County presently has no radon test kits available.

Individuals can contact the Iowa AIR Coalition by phone at 800-206-7818 or mail at:

Iowa AIR Public Health Coalition
501 13th St. NW
Cedar Rapids, IA  52405-3700
Contact: Cindy Shubatt

to obtain a radon test kit.

Radon Information Sheet (228 KB)  
Iowa Department of Public Heath Radon Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Radon Information