January 9, 2025

Healthy Homes Iowa Program Addresses Polk County Radon Concerns

An invisible, tasteless, odorless radioactive gas, radon naturally exists in the soil. It’s harmless — unless it becomes trapped and concentrated in the air; for example, when it leaks into a basement through a crack in the foundation.

Over time, exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer and 400 Iowans die from lung cancer caused by radon each year. Nearly 72% of Iowa homes have very high radon levels, with an average radon level 6 times higher than the national average.

High radon levels can affect old or new homes, and fixing the problem does not require major changes to a home.

EveryStep’s Healthy Homes Iowa program is a collaborative effort with community partners to reduce health hazards, like high radon levels, within homes in Polk County. In FY24, the program provided support to 36 Polk County households for a variety of health and safety hazards. In one case, a home evaluated for radon had a level of 33 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). The EPA’s action level for radon is 4 pCi/L.

EveryStep’s Healthy Homes Iowa program is for both homeowners and rentors. If a household qualifies, an EveryStep Healthy Homes consultant can visit the home, make a full assessment and recommendation, and help residents make their space safer and healthier. This includes coordinating contractors when necessary. There is no cost for these items and services. For more information, call 515-333-4549 or click here.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 515-558-9946 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form here. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and help.