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Radon Testing in Sioux City, IA
Testing is the only way to know your home's radon level. This page covers how tests work, where to put them and what to do with the result.
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Why Test
You cannot sense radon, and its level has nothing to do with how clean or old a house is. The EPA recommends testing all homes, regardless of zone, and the Iowa Department of Public Health, the American Lung Association and the Surgeon General recommend testing new and existing homes. Because every county in Iowa is in EPA Zone 1, testing is especially relevant here.
Radon levels vary from one home to the next, even on the same street. A neighbor's test result does not tell you what is happening in your house.
Short-Term and Long-Term Tests
Short-term tests
Measure for a period from about two days up to 90 days, depending on the device. They give a quick read and are the usual first step. Because radon levels vary day to day and with weather, a short-term test is a snapshot.
Long-term tests
Measure for more than 90 days. They average out changes over weeks and seasons and can give a better picture of your typical exposure, especially if a short-term result was near the action level.
The Siouxland District Health Department has sold short-term radon test kits to the public, and kits are also sold by retailers and by laboratories. Choose a kit from a source that processes the result in a laboratory, and read the instructions before you open it.
How to Test Properly
- Choose the location. Test the lowest lived-in level of the house, such as a finished basement room or the first floor if there is no basement. Avoid kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, crawl spaces and closets.
- Set up closed-house conditions. For short-term tests of a few days, the instructions typically call for keeping windows and exterior doors closed, except for normal entry and exit, for 12 hours before and during the test. Do not run whole-house fans or open windows.
- Place the kit. Put it about 20 inches or more above the floor, away from drafts, heat, humidity and exterior walls, as the instructions direct, and leave it undisturbed.
- Record dates and times. Note when you started and finished, and send the kit to the lab promptly.
- Read the result. Results come in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Radon tests are most reliable when conditions are steady. In cold weather, Iowa homes are mostly closed up, which is why the heating season is a common time to test, but follow the instructions on your kit.
What the Result Means
- 4 pCi/L or higher. The EPA recommends fixing your home. A second test, either another short-term test or a long-term test, is a common way to confirm, especially if the first result was only slightly above 4.
- Between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The EPA says to consider fixing. Any radon carries some risk, and lower levels carry less than higher ones.
- Under 2 pCi/L. Lower than the level at which the EPA suggests considering action, but levels can change, so retest after renovations, foundation work or changes to heating and ventilation.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that the average indoor radon level in Iowa is 8.5 pCi/L, well above the national average of 1.3 pCi/L, so many Iowa homes test above 4. A high result is common and fixable. Learn how on our radon mitigation page.
When to Hire a Professional
A do-it-yourself kit is a good first step for most homeowners. A credentialed measurement specialist can be worth hiring when you are buying or selling a home, when the stakes or timeline are tight, or when you want continuous monitoring and a documented result. The Iowa Department of Public Health maintains a list of credentialed radon measurement specialists on its website.
Ask the professional what device it uses, how it controls for tampering and how quickly you will get a report. See our home sale testing page for transaction-specific tips, and request a quote if you want us to route you to a local company.
Common Questions
Where should I place a radon test in my house?
Test the lowest lived-in level of the house, such as a finished basement or the first floor if there is no basement. Avoid kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and crawl spaces, and follow the placement instructions on the kit.
What is the difference between a short-term and a long-term test?
A short-term test measures for a few days up to 90 days and gives a quick snapshot. A long-term test measures for more than 90 days and averages out day-to-day and seasonal changes.
What radon result is too high?
The EPA recommends fixing your home at 4 pCi/L or higher and says to consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
Nearby Communities
We route requests from Sioux City and the surrounding area. Pick your town, or see the full service area list.
Know Your Radon Level, and Fix It If You Need To
Call or send a request. We will route it to an independent, insured local company that handles radon work in the Sioux City area.