(Spirit Lake)– Dickinson County Public Health is offering free radon test kits to homeowners.
Officials say it will give local families a simple way to find out whether their home has high levels of the invisible, odorless gas. High levels of radon can increase the likelihood of contracting lung cancer. They add that Iowa has the highest average indoor radon levels in the nation, with about 70 percent of homes in the state testing above the federal EPA’s action level. Northwest Iowa is among the areas with the highest levels in the state.
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It can get into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and buildup inside, especially when windows and doors are closed.
Free radon test kits are available by contacting Dickinson County Public Health at 712-339-6050. The kits are available to homeowners only. Those whose first test shows high radon levels will be asked to perform a second test to confirm the results. If the second test also comes back high, the homeowner may be eligible for funding assistance to help with mitigation.
