The Iowa Senate has approved consumer protection legislation ensuring that potential homebuyers can get radon test results. HF 371 allows a certified radon tester to disclose the results of a radon test to a potential buyer of a nonpublic building if they’ve made a purchase offer and pay for the testing.
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. Although there are no immediate symptoms, long-term exposure to radon can cause cellular damage in the lungs that can lead to lung cancer. Radon is the first leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.
Almost 72 percent of homes in Iowa have an elevated radon level, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s the largest percentage in the country, but it can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association and the National Safety Council recommend testing your home for radon because testing is the only way to know if your home has radon.
To order a radon test kit or learn more about radon, go to www.idph.state.ia.us/Radon or call 1-800-383-5992.