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 and enters homes through cracks, around pipes, through sump pumps and drain tiles. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it. Iowa has the highest percentage of homes in the nation with elevated radon levels.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the number one cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes approximately 21,000 deaths per year nationally; most of these are preventable.

The EPA and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommend that all Iowa homes be tested for radon and homes with elevated levels should be fixed.

Radon Testing

Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive. Short-term radon test kits are available to walk-in customers at Siouxland District Health Department for just $8. This price includes the kit, the postage to send to the lab, and the lab analysis.

The Iowa Department of Public Health contracts with the American Lung Association to maintain the Clean Air Website, and staff Iowa's Radon Hotline.  You can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-383-5992 to order low-cost radon test kits and find answers to your radon questions. In addition, radon test kits may be available for sale at local hardware or home improvement stores. 

Resources

• How Do I Test for Radon Video
• Iowa Health and Human Services (IHHS): Radon
• CDC: Radon
• EPA: A Citizen's Guide to Radon
• Radon Fact Sheet

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