Radon in Iowa: What Every Des Moines Homebuyer Should Know

Iowa has the highest average radon levels in the country, and the EPA places the entire state in Zone 1 — the highest risk category. If you're buying a home in the Des Moines metro, radon testing isn't optional. It's essential.

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It's invisible, odorless, and tasteless — the only way to know if it's in your home is to test.

Why is Iowa at such high risk?

It comes down to geology. Our soil and rock formations produce more radon than almost anywhere else in the country. The Iowa Department of Public Health estimates that 7 in 10 Iowa homes have radon levels above the EPA's action level. That's not a scare tactic — it's just our soil.

How does radon testing work?

A small device is placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home for 48 hours. That's it — no disruption, no damage to the home. You get clear, easy-to-understand results, and if levels come back high, mitigation systems are proven and effective.

Should I test a brand-new home?

Yes. Radon doesn't care how old or new the house is. New construction can have elevated levels too — the only way to know is to test.

What if the home already has a mitigation system?

That's a good sign — but test anyway to confirm the system is working properly and levels are where they should be.

The bottom line

A radon test is one of the simplest and most affordable things you can do when buying a home — and in Iowa, one of the most important. At Total Inspections, we can add radon testing to any home inspection. One visit, clear results, peace of mind.

Call or text 515-371-3871 to schedule your inspection with radon testing anywhere in the Des Moines metro.