Radon FAQ's

What happens after radon gets into the home?

Once radon enters a home it moves freely throughout the indoor air and people can breath it into their lungs. Understanding how it distributes through the home environment can help explain why timing and location are important factors to consider when conducting a radon test.

The level of radon is often highest in the lower part of the building. Radon moves through a house by diffusion and natural air movements and it can be distributed by mechanical equipment such as a forced-air ventilation system. As radon moves away from the home's foundation or other entry points, it mixes (and is diluted) into a greater volume of air. In addition, more dilution often occurs in the upper levels of the home because there is more fresh air ventilation there.

Greater dilution and less house vacuum may also occur when the house is more open to the outdoors during the non-heating season. This generally results in lower indoor radon levels in the summer compared to the winter.

Radon test kits are still available for $5 each. Contact our office at 563-886-2226 for more information.

How can I protect my family from radon?

A number of steps can be taken to lower the amount of radon in a home. A quality radon reduction (mitigation) system is often able to reduce the annual average radon level to below 2 picoCuries per liter (see Minnesota Radon Testing and Use of Test Results for discussion of radon levels and health risks). Experienced radon mitigation professionals can install appropriate control systems. Contact Cedar County Public Health for information regarding radon mitigation.

Building a New Home?

All newly built homes in Iowa should be tested for radon after they are completed and occupied. Early detection of elevated radon levels can help protect the homeowners financial interests if the radon problem is due to construction problems and can allow the homeowner to take appropriate actions to lower the radon level and protect the health of their family.

Where Can I Get More Information?

University of Iowa Health Care Link

EPA (Env Protection Agency)