Radon kits are available during regular business hours at Black Hawk County Public Health, 1407 Independence Avenue, 5th Floor, Waterloo.
Watch videos on our YouTube channel that explain:
- What is Radon?
- Radon in Iowa
- Testing Your Home for Radon
- Fixing Radon in Your Home
- What Home Buyers Should Know about Radon
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas and is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Iowa households have especially high levels of radon (over six times the national average!), and the Iowa Department of Public Health recommends that everyone test their home.
Why Should I Test My Home?
Testing is the only way to know if radon is present. You can't see, taste, or smell radon. There are also no immediate symptoms, but long-term exposure can cause cellular damage leading to lung cancer. Click here for a video on how to test for radon.
The Black Hawk County Board of Health recommends the following measures to reduce the impact of radon exposure on public health:
- Radon levels should be regularly assessed in all homes and schools.
- If radon exposure is at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, mitigation should occur.
- Passive mitigation systems should be installed in all new construction.
- Existing and potential tenants should be informed if rental properties have radon levels higher than EPA’s action level.
- Education regarding radon testing should be provided during well-child visits and routine physicals.
Radon Testing Kit Sales
Black Hawk County Public Health maintains a small number of Air Check short-term radon test kits on hand and sells them at a cost of $10.00 per kit. Radon test kits can also be purchased through numerous vendors, both online or in person.
If you prefer to have a professional test your home, Iowa Department of Public Health website provides a list of Certified Radon Measurement Specialists.
How do I fix high levels of radon?
Results at or above 4 pCi/L are considered elevated and mitigation is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, however mitigation decisions should not be based upon a single test result.
Credentialed radon mitigation contractors can install a radon mitigation system that lowers radon levels in your home. The goal of installing a radon mitigation system in a home is to reduce radon to the lowest possible level.
Visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website for a list of credentialed mitigation specialists in Iowa.