Radon Pros in Iowa

About Radon in Iowa

Last updated: March 2026

Iowa holds the distinction of having every single county classified as EPA Zone 1 — the highest predicted indoor radon potential. No other state has such uniform Zone 1 coverage. Iowa's glacial soil deposits, rich in uranium-bearing minerals, are the primary driver. The soil is highly permeable, allowing radon gas to migrate easily from bedrock into the air spaces beneath home foundations. Combined with long, cold winters that keep homes sealed for months, the result is consistently elevated indoor radon levels across the entire state. Iowa requires radon mitigators to hold current NRPP or NRSB certification, and the Iowa Department of Public Health maintains a registry of certified professionals. In real estate transactions, radon testing is strongly recommended by state health officials, though it is not legally mandated. In practice, testing is common in most Iowa home purchases, particularly in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City metro markets. Iowa's radon situation is straightforward in one respect: there is no low-risk region of the state. The EPA and Iowa Department of Public Health recommend that every Iowa home be tested regardless of age, construction type, or location. Post-mitigation verification testing is also recommended to confirm system effectiveness.