For more information about the offerings of Public Health in Osceola County click below to visit our webpage: Osceola Community Health Services Radon in Iowa: A Public Health Perspective Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making testing the only reliable way to determine whether radon is present in a home. Iowa consistently ranks among the highest states in the nation for elevated radon levels, underscoring the importance of routine testing as a critical public health measure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases health risks, particularly because radon tends to accumulate in enclosed indoor environments such as basements and lower living areas. Osceola Community Health Services encourages all residents to test their homes for radon and to take appropriate action when elevated levels are identified. Testing is simple, affordable, and an effective way to reduce preventable health risks within the home. Short-Term Radon Test Kits (3–7 days) Short-term radon test kits are commonly used and are recommended [...]