Lowa Has Highest Risk Of Radon Exposure; Recognizes January As ‘Radon Action Month’
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa, the state that has the highest risk for elevated levels of radon, now recognizes January as “Radon Action Month.”
Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can cause lung cancer after long-term exposure, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
In mid-January 2019, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared January as “Radon Action Month.” It’s meant as a way to remind Iowans to test their homes for the gas.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa, the state that has the highest risk for elevated levels of radon, now recognizes January as “Radon Action Month.” Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can cause lung cancer after long-term exposure, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. In mid-January 2019, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared January as “Radon Action Month.” It’s meant as a way to remind Iowans to test their homes for the gas.
The Environmental Protection Agency has set an action level of 4 picoCuries per liter of air, or 4 pCi/L. That means, property owners who find levels that meet or exceed that number are urged to hire a radon mitigation contractor to fix their radon problems.
According to the EPA, the State of Iowa has “a very high potential for elevated levels of radon gas,” reported the IDPH. A survey found that Iowa has the largest percentage of homes above the acceptable radon level.