Legislation for Passive Radon Mitigation to be included in building codes

A bill has been introduced in the Iowa House that would update the building codes to require passive radon mitigation in single-family and two-family homes.

Radon is the leading cause of environmental lung cancer in Iowa.

Radon gas is released when uranium breaks down.  Uranium is a natural chemical found in Iowa’s soils and rocks.  Outdoor levels of radon are low.  However, radon levels can build up inside a building.  Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas.  The only way you know if you have high levels of radon is to test for it.

71.6% of Iowa homes are above the Environmental Protection Agency recommended action level.  Iowa has the largest percentage of homes in the United States that are above the EPA threshold for taking action to remediate radon levels.   For more information, see "Radon Resources".

Given the high levels of radon found within the state, it is sensible to require new residences to have radon mitigation systems already built in.  The best way to do that is to modify the building codes to require installing passive radon mitigation.

What you can do

This bill passed both chambers of the legislature and is waiting for the governor's signature.

Please contact the Governor and ask that she sign HF2297.  Governor's Office Phone: 515-281-5211.  Register your Opinion with the Governor - click here