Iowa is one of the states most affected by radon exposure, a known cause of lung cancer. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas, and we must get it out of our kids’ classrooms. To that end, the Senate State Government Committee approved Senate File 366.
This bill will strengthen requirements and standards for radon control in new construction. In addition, schools would be required to test for radon by June 30, 2015, and at least once every 10 years after that.
Schools with high levels of radon will need to bring in a professional to develop a radon mitigation plan and undergo radon testing every two years. A school district’s physical plant and equipment levy dollars will pay for the costs.
Radon can also be a concern in our homes. If you’d like to test your home for radon, contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-788-5864 to obtain a testing kit. If you’d rather have your home checked by a licensed professional, call the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Radon Program Staff at 515-281-4928.