Priority 7
Strategy A: Increase awareness and research around the connection between radon and cancer risk.
Action Steps:
- Educate the public, health care providers, public health officials, school administrators, property owners, property managers and policymakers about radon and its link to lung cancer.
- Encourage home builders and realtors to educate clients regarding radon, cancer risk, testing, and mitigation.
- Support research and funding to increase the evidence for radon-related cancer risks.
- Support research and funding to increase knowledge about the effects of climate change on radon levels.
- Enhance data collection to understand the impact of radon in different geographic and socioeconomic areas of the state.
- Promote continued research between the synergistic effect of radon, tobacco use, and secondhand smoke.
Strategy B: Increase the testing for and mitigation of radon in homes and other buildings.
Action Steps:
- Increase the percentage of Iowans who test their homes for radon and mitigate when needed.
- Increase the number of residential properties/units in low-income neighborhoods that test for radon and install radon mitigation equipment when indicated.
- Collaborate with cities, housing departments, and other organizations to develop initiatives that provide financial assistance for radon testing and mitigation.
- Require radon testing and mitigation in multi-housing units and rental housing.
- Support policies to require radon notification and disclosure during the real estate leasing transaction.
- Support efforts to implement the Gail Orcutt School Radon Safety Act requiring radon testing and mitigation in Iowa public schools (HF2412).
- Encourage development and dissemination of information regarding radon policies and education to radon professionals.
Strategy C: Increase the number of residential and other buildings built or remodeled using radon reducing methods.
Action Steps:
- Require newly constructed homes and buildings to be built using passive radon control methods according to the 2015 International Residential Building Code.
- Support workforce development for radon testing and mitigation professionals, especially for large buildings.
Resources:
- The National Radon Action Plan 2021-2025: https://www.epa.gov/radon/national-radon-action-plan-strategy-saving-lives
- Iowa HHS (Radon Program): https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/radiological-health/radon
- Iowa Radon Hotline: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/radon