Contact: Black Hawk County Public Health
Phone: (319) 291-2413
publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov

The Black Hawk County Board of Health has approved an updated Position Statement on Radon, reaffirming its commitment to protecting residents from a significant and preventable environmental health risk in Iowa.

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that enters homes and buildings from the soil. Long-term exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General, radon-related lung cancers account for approximately 21,000 deaths annually in the United States. In Black Hawk County, lung cancer is the third most common cancer, with about 125 new cases and 66 deaths each year.

Iowa has the highest percentage of homes in the nation with elevated radon levels, and Black Hawk County is no exception. Nearly 40 percent of radon test results in the county from 2000–2024 met or exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

“Radon exposure poses a serious health risk to Iowans,” said Disa Cornish, Black Hawk County Board of Health Chair, “but with testing and mitigation, it’s a risk we can significantly reduce.”

Board of Health Recommendations
To reduce radon-related health risks, the Board advocates for the following measures:

• Mitigation: Strongly recommend mitigation for homes at or above 4 pCi/L; consider mitigation for levels between 2–4 pCi/L.
• Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC): Require RRNC techniques in all new residential and commercial construction.
• Rental Properties: Mandate testing, disclosure of results, and mitigation in rental housing.
• Re-Testing: Test homes every two years and after major renovations; maintain active mitigation systems.
• Schools and Childcare Centers: Ensure compliance with Iowa Code, fund mitigation, and extend requirements to private schools.
• Healthcare Provider Involvement: Encourage providers to educate patients and distribute low-cost or free test kits.
• Real Estate Transactions: Support testing during home sales.

The revised statement was developed through a structured review process led by a Black Hawk County Public Health workgroup. The workgroup evaluated current scientific evidence and guidance from state and national public health agencies, professional associations, and peer-reviewed research before presenting the updated statement to the Board of Health for approval. This process reflects the Board’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making and transparency.

The position statement can be found on the Black Hawk County Public Health website.

What Individuals Can Do

• Learn about radon and its health risks.
• Test your home for radon. Low-cost tests are available for purchase at Black Hawk County Public Health during business hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Take actions to reduce exposure if levels are high; most homes can achieve levels below 2 pCi/L with proper systems.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about lung cancer screenings.

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Black Hawk County Public Health exists to ensure that people in our community have equitable opportunities and resources to lead healthier, more fulfilling, and longer lives. Established in 1969, the health department's mission is to protect people in our community from health hazards, promote healthy behaviors, and prevent disease. Black Hawk County Public Health was accredited by the National Public Health Accreditation Board in 2022. For more information about health department services visit the Black Hawk County Public Health website.