Radon Testing in Iowa
Radon is invisible and odorless, so a test is the only way to know your home’s level. We connect you with credentialed Iowa specialists for professional measurement.
Radon testing measures the concentration of radon gas inside a home, reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Because radon has no smell and causes no immediate symptoms, testing is the only way to know whether a home is above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.
We connect Iowa homeowners with NRPP-certified, Iowa HHS-credentialed specialists for professional testing. Iowa HHS also certifies radon measurement specialists and laboratories, and many counties offer low-cost test kits for homeowners who want to screen first.
Why Testing Matters in Iowa
With a state average around 8.5 pCi/L per Iowa HHS and roughly 71.6% of Iowa homes above the 4 pCi/L action level, the odds that an untested Iowa home has elevated radon are high. All 99 counties are EPA Radon Zone 1.
Radon levels vary home to home and even season to season, so a neighbor’s result does not tell you your own. Levels are often highest in winter when homes are sealed against the cold. Testing gives you a number to act on.
Types of Radon Testing
Short-term tests
Run from two to seven days, these give a fast snapshot and are common during real estate transactions. Closed-house conditions are required for accuracy.
Long-term tests
Run more than 90 days, these average out seasonal swings and give the most representative picture of year-round exposure.
Continuous radon monitors
Professional electronic monitors log hourly readings and resist tampering, which is why they are often used for real estate testing.
Post-mitigation testing
After a system is installed, a follow-up test confirms the level dropped below the action level.
County test kits
Many Iowa county health departments sell inexpensive short-term kits. Siouxland District Health, for example, sells short-term kits for $7 including postage and results.
How Testing Works
- 1
Request testing
Submit the form or call, and a credentialed specialist will schedule a test or advise on a county kit.
- 2
Closed-house setup
For a short-term test, windows and exterior doors stay closed (except normal entry and exit) for 12 hours before and during the test.
- 3
Placement
The device is placed in the lowest livable level, away from drafts, exterior walls, and high humidity.
- 4
Results and next steps
If the result is at or above 4 pCi/L, the specialist explains mitigation options. Below that, a periodic re-test is recommended.
Radon Testing Cost in Iowa
According to published Iowa pricing, professional short-term tests commonly run from roughly $135 to $250, while county test kits can be as low as $7 to $15. Real estate tests with a continuous monitor may cost more because of the equipment and chain-of-custody documentation involved.
These figures reflect published third-party market data, not a price set by Iowa Radon Professionals. The specialist confirms the exact cost before testing.
Figures reflect published Iowa contractor pricing, not a price set by Iowa Radon Professionals.
The NRPP-certified, Iowa HHS-credentialed partner contractor you are matched with is licensed and insured and provides a written workmanship warranty.
Properly installed systems typically reduce radon by 50 to 99% according to the EPA. Your specific result is confirmed by the specialist with a post-mitigation re-test.
Where We Help You Find a Specialist
We connect homeowners with credentialed radon specialists across Iowa. Our launch metros include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What radon level is too high?
The EPA action level is 4 pCi/L. At or above that, the EPA recommends taking steps to reduce radon. There is no completely risk-free level, so lower is better.
Short-term or long-term test?
A short-term test is faster and common for home sales. A long-term test (over 90 days) better reflects year-round exposure. For peace of mind outside a transaction, long-term is more representative.
Can I use a cheap county kit?
Yes. Many Iowa county health departments sell low-cost short-term kits, which are a good first screen. For real estate or post-mitigation testing, a professional test is usually preferred.
When is radon highest?
Radon is often highest in winter, when homes are closed up. That is also why closed-house conditions are required during short-term testing.
Related Services
Radon Mitigation
The standard active soil depressurization system that vents radon from beneath the slab to above the roofline.
Real Estate Radon Testing
Fast, transaction-timeline testing for home sales and purchase contingencies, with results that fit closing deadlines.
Crawl Space Radon Mitigation
Sub-membrane depressurization for homes with crawl spaces, sealing and venting soil gas at the source.
Helpful guides: Iowa radon mitigation cost, testing vs mitigation, and choosing a credentialed contractor.
Get Your Free Iowa Radon Quote
Connect with an NRPP-certified, Iowa HHS-credentialed specialist for a free, no-obligation quote. No pressure, no obligation.