Highest levels of Radon found in Iowa - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Highest levels of Radon found in Iowa

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The highest levels of this radio active gas are found in the state of Iowa.  

This week, the country is raising awareness about Radon, which causes twenty one thousand deaths per year.  

"Iowa actually has the highest levels of radon out of all fifty states," says John Springmeier, a Radon tester.  

It's radioactive and you can't see or smell it.  

In Iowa, fifty percent of all homes test at or above the EPA levels of high radon.  

You can get these levels checked and under control with a radon tester or have someone certified to take a look at your home.  

The EPA recommends all homes in Iowa be tested every two years.  

"Radon is going to be found in any type of home and whether the house is brand new or one hundred and fifty years old, it just does not matter. It just depends on the ground the house was built on," says Springmeier.  

There are no symptoms of lung cancer. Radon experts say lowering the levels of radon in your house is the best way to prevent you and your family from getting sick.