Free Radon Test Kits Available as Iowa Lung Cancer Rates Stay Among Nation’s Highest
MASON CITY — January is National Radon Action Month, and Cerro Gordo County Public Health is reminding residents that radon remains a serious concern across Iowa.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that has no color, smell, or taste — meaning you won’t know it’s in your home without a test. Health officials say testing shows more than 70 percent of Iowa homes have elevated radon levels.
To help families protect themselves, Cerro Gordo County Public Health is offering free at-home radon test kits to county residents this month, while supplies last. Households can pick up one free kit per home at the CG Public Health office during regular business hours.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second-leading cause overall. The American Lung Association’s 2024 State of Lung Cancer report shows Iowa continues to rank among the worst states for lung cancer incidence, with a 2024 rate of 61.2 new cases per 100,000 people, well above the national average.
“We see elevated levels in homes here constantly; it is not a rare problem in Cerro Gordo County,” said Tim Hitchcock, an environmental health specialist with CG Public Health. “Because you can’t see or smell radon, it is easy to ignore, but the long-term risk to your lungs is real.”
For more information on radon testing and mitigation, visit cghealth.com.
