If you’re house hunting in Iowa City, you’ve probably heard of radon testing. It might have come up in conversations with your REALTOR®. Or maybe a well-meaning family member warned you about radon when you started your home search. 

What exactly is radon, and do you really need to test for it when buying a home in Iowa? The short answer? Yes. 

But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about radon testing in Iowa. You’ll know how the process works and feel confident navigating this important step in your homebuying journey.

 

What Is Radon, Anyway?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It’s an invisible byproduct of the earth beneath our feet. While radon exists everywhere, it becomes a concern when it gets trapped inside buildings and accumulates to high levels.

Unfortunately, you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Your dream home could look perfect from the outside, but without radon testing, you’d never know if radon is building up in the basement or lower levels.

Why Iowa Takes Radon Testing Seriously

Iowa has some of the highest radon levels in the entire United States. The Iowa Department of Public Health estimates that about 72% of Iowa homes have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Iowa is also designated an ‘entirely zone 1 state,’ which means at least half of Iowa’s homes are above the recommended action level.

This sounds scary, but the risk is manageable if you take the right precautions. Iowa’s soil, especially in certain areas of the state, contains higher levels of uranium, which means more radon production. In the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor, radon testing is an important step in the homebuying process, just like the home appraisal and inspection.

 

The Health Reality: What You Should Know

The EPA identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for about 21,000 deaths every year. While smokers face the highest risk, families who’ve never touched a cigarette aren’t off the hook either.

But radon-related health issues don’t happen overnight. Most people have decades of exposure before experiencing problems. It’s like sun exposure—a few days at the beach won’t cause skin cancer, but years without sunscreen might. Testing for radon before you buy your home is a simple step you can take today to protect your family’s health for years to come.

 

Radon Testing: What to Expect During Your Home Purchase

If you’re buying a home in Iowa, radon testing should be part of your inspection process. Here’s how it typically works:

The Testing Process 

Most radon tests take 48 to 72 hours to complete. A certified radon professional places testing devices in the lowest livable level of the home, usually the basement or main floor if there’s no basement. 

During the testing period, all windows and doors (except for normal entry and exit) should remain closed to get an accurate reading.

Understanding Your Results 

When the results come back, you won’t have to interpret them yourself. The certified radon professional who conducts your test will give you a clear report explaining your results. They’ll walk you through the numbers and what they mean for your situation.  

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Your results will determine the next steps: 

• Below 2 pCi/L: Low levels, no action needed
• 2-4 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if you’re a smoker
• 4 pCi/L and above: EPA recommends mitigation

 

Timing Your Home Purchase 

Our REALTORS® recommend including radon testing in your inspection contingency. This gives you the flexibility to negotiate repairs or walk away if radon levels are high and the seller won’t address the issue. In most cases, buyers don’t ask sellers to mitigate unless radon levels are 4 pCi/L and above.

Ask your agent for advice on structuring an offer that protects your interests without slowing down the process. 

 

What Happens if Radon Levels are High?

If your test results show elevated radon levels, don’t panic. High radon doesn’t mean you should walk away from your dream home. You have options for making your new space safe and ensuring your peace of mind. 

Radon Mitigation Systems 

The most common solution is installing a radon mitigation system. These systems typically involve installing a pipe that draws radon gas from beneath the home’s foundation and vents it safely outside. 

A good mitigation system can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.

Costs and Negotiations 

Radon mitigation systems cost between $800 and $2,500 to install, depending on the home’s construction and the system you need. Many buyers negotiate with sellers to either install a mitigation system before closing or provide a credit to cover the cost.

Ongoing Maintenance 

Once installed, radon mitigation systems need little maintenance. You can get by with annual checks to make sure the fan is working and periodic retesting to verify the system’s effectiveness.

 

Special Radon Testing Considerations for Iowa Buyers

Depending on the home you’re buying and when you test for radon, you might need to take a different approach. Some unique considerations to keep in mind: 

New Construction Homes 

Even if you’re buying a brand-new home in Iowa, you should still test for radon. New construction can incorporate radon-resistant features, but testing is the only way to know if these features work.

Seasonal Variations 

Radon levels can fluctuate with the seasons, weather conditions, and how you use your home. Testing during the winter months when homes are sealed up often gives you the most conservative (highest) readings.

Well Water 

If your potential new home has a private well, consider testing the water for radon, too. Waterborne radon is less common than soil-based radon, but it can still contribute to indoor air quality issues.

 

Making Radon Testing Work with Your Homebuying Timeline

We all know the anticipation of getting the keys to your new home. Sometimes you’re in a time crunch because you’ve accepted an offer on your current home. And most buyers can’t wait to start picking out paint colors and buying new furniture.

But don’t skip radon testing to speed up the process. Here are some tips to keep things moving:

• Schedule radon testing as early as possible during your inspection period.
• Consider short-term tests (2-7 days) for the initial screening, and follow up with long-term testing if needed.
• Work with your REALTOR® to ensure your contract language protects your right to test and respond to the results.

 

Protect Your Investment and Your Health

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll make. Radon testing is a small step that protects your financial investment and your family’s health. In Iowa, where radon levels are higher, skipping this test is like buying a car without checking under the hood.

The whole process might seem overwhelming if you’re new to homebuying. But remember, you’re not navigating it alone. Our agents have helped many Iowa families test their new homes for radon. We can connect you with trusted radon professionals who understand our local market.

 

Ready to Start Your Iowa City Home Search?

Keep radon testing on your checklist, right alongside home inspections and financing. 

And when you’re ready for expert guidance on your home purchase, reach out and let us know! We’re here to help you through every step of the process, from radon testing to closing day and beyond.