Radon Myths: 6 Things Iowa Homeowners Get Wrong

Radon myths keep a lot of Iowa homeowners from testing, and testing is the only way to know your level. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps up from the soil into homes. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among people who have never smoked, according to the EPA.

All of Iowa sits in EPA’s highest-risk radon zone. Here are six common myths, and what’s actually true.

Why radon myths matter in Iowa

Iowa’s health department reports that about 7 in 10 Iowa homes have radon above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), based on EPA surveys in the state. That’s why guesses and assumptions aren’t a good plan. A myth that sounds reasonable can be the reason a home never gets tested.

6 common radon myths, debunked

Myth 1: New homes don’t have radon

New construction doesn’t make a home immune. Modern homes are built tighter and more energy efficient, which can reduce the air exchange that helps dilute radon. The gas can still enter through the foundation, just like in an older home.

Some new homes are built with a passive radon system, a pipe without a fan. Iowa’s health department notes those homes should still be tested, and a fan can be added if levels stay high. Age doesn’t tell you your level. A test does.

Myth 2: Only homes with basements have radon

Radon can show up in any home that touches the ground. Homes with slab-on-grade foundations and crawl spaces can have high levels too.

Radon enters wherever the home meets the soil. That includes cracks in a slab, gaps around pipes and utility lines, and dirt crawl space floors. A home without a basement can test high, and a home with one can test low. If your house has a foundation of any type, it’s worth testing.

Myth 3: My neighbor’s test result applies to my house

Radon levels can differ a lot from one house to the next, even on the same street. The soil, the rock, and the tiny cracks in the foundation are different under every home.

A neighbor’s result tells you about their house, not yours. A low result next door is good news for them. A high one next door is a good reason to test yours. Either way, test your own home.

Myth 4: Opening windows fixes it

Opening windows brings in fresh air, and that can lower radon levels for a short time. It doesn’t fix the problem. Radon keeps seeping up from the soil continuously, so the levels return when the windows close.

Iowa winters keep windows shut for months, which makes this fix hard to rely on anyway. The long-term answer is a radon mitigation system that stops the gas at the source. You can read about how radon mitigation works in our install guide.

Myth 5: Once I have a mitigation system, I’m done

A mitigation system is one of the best steps you can take, but it isn’t set and forget. Systems and the air pressure inside your home can change over time. Iowa’s health department suggests testing every two years or after renovating your home.

Check the gauge on the pipe now and then to make sure the system is running. If the reading changes, or you stop hearing or feeling the fan, call your installer. A mitigation system inspection can confirm everything is working as it should.

Myth 6: No symptoms means no danger

Radon doesn’t cause everyday symptoms like headaches or nausea, so there is nothing to warn you. The health risk is lung cancer, which develops after many years of exposure. Lung cancer symptoms, such as a cough that doesn’t go away, often show up late.

That’s why feeling fine isn’t evidence your home is safe. Radon risk builds quietly over years. EPA estimates about 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the U.S. are caused by radon. If you have concerns about your health, talk with your doctor.

What to do instead: test your home

A radon test is how you find out where you stand. The result is reported in pCi/L, and the EPA recommends taking action at 4 pCi/L or above. A professional test gives you a reliable number and answers your questions on the spot.

You should test:

• If you’ve never tested your home

• If you’re buying or selling a home

• Every two years, or after a renovation

• If you have a mitigation system and want to confirm it’s working

What if your test comes back high?

A high result is common in Iowa, and it’s fixable. A radon mitigation system pulls radon from beneath your foundation and vents it safely outside. Most installations take about 3 to 6 hours. After installation, a follow-up test confirms your levels have dropped.

When to call

Reach out if you’ve never tested, if your results came back at or above 4 pCi/L, or if your system’s gauge reading has changed. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Frequently asked questions

Do new homes have radon?Yes, new homes can have radon. Modern homes are built tighter, which can reduce the air exchange that helps dilute radon, and the gas can still enter through the foundation. Some new homes are built with a passive radon system, but testing is still the only way to know your level.

Does opening windows reduce radon?Opening windows can lower radon levels for a short time by bringing in fresh air, but it doesn’t stop radon from entering. Gas keeps seeping up from the soil all day, and Iowa winters keep windows closed for months. A radon mitigation system addresses the source.

If my neighbor’s radon test was low, is mine okay?Not necessarily. Radon levels can vary a lot from house to house, even on the same street, because soil, rock, and foundation cracks are different under every home. A neighbor’s result tells you about their house, not yours. The only way to know your level is to test your own home.

Can you have radon in a house without a basement?Yes. Homes with slab-on-grade foundations or crawl spaces can have high radon levels too. Radon enters wherever a home touches the soil, including cracks in a slab, gaps around pipes, and dirt crawl space floors. Testing tells you whether your level is at or above the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L.

What are the symptoms of radon exposure?Radon does not cause noticeable symptoms like headaches or nausea. The health risk is lung cancer, which develops over many years of exposure, and its symptoms often appear late. If you’re concerned about your health, talk with your doctor, and test your home to learn your radon level.

Ready to test your home?

High Caliber Radon Solutions provides radon testing and mitigation in Altoona, Des Moines, and Central Iowa. Call 515-783-6566 or book online to get started.