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Radon Testing: Short-Term, Long-Term and Follow-Up

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Test kitSoil gas

Radon testing is the only way to know your level, and EPA says to test no matter where you live [1]. It's also the step that decides whether you need a system at all. This page covers the test types, how to place a kit, and who can test a home for pay in Iowa.

Short-term and long-term tests

EPA defines short-term tests as 2 to 90 days and long-term tests as more than 90 days [2]. A long-term test gives a better picture of your year-round average [2]. Johnson County Public Health describes its short-term kits as 3 to 7 days and lists them for a first test, a second test after a high result, and a check after a system goes in [3].

Setting up a fair test

EPA says to put the kit in the lowest lived-in level of the home, in a room used regularly but not a kitchen or bathroom, and at least 20 inches off the floor [2]. For a short-term test, keep windows and outside doors closed as much as possible and don't run fans that bring in outside air [2]. Linn County Public Health suggests testing before and after renovations and before turning a basement into a bedroom [4].

Radon testing near me

You can test your own home. Iowa HHS lists free kits through two programs and low-cost kits through its hotline, 1-800-383-5992 [5]. Kits are also sold at most hardware and home improvement stores [5]. Johnson County Public Health sells short-term kits for $12 in the office and long-term kits for $30 [3]. Linn County Public Health sells both types too; call 319-892-6000 [4]. See radon test kits.

Iowa law says a person who isn't certified by the state can't test for radon, unless the building is their own or they test without pay [6]. So a paid radon inspection of a home you're buying needs a certified tester. The state rule applies to out-of-state firms offering tests to Iowans too [7]. Iowa HHS posts a list of certified measurement specialists you can check [8]. Statewide rules are on how it works.

Reading the result

Linn County's chart says a result of 8 pCi/L or more calls for a short-term follow-up within the next few weeks. It does not recommend a long-term test at that level [4]. Between 4 and 8, either a short- or long-term follow-up works [4]. If the follow-up confirms 4 or more, see radon mitigation.

What a pro test costs

HomeGuide's February 2026 guide lists a professional test at $125 to $400 and a home kit at $10 to $30 [9]. Angi's September 2026 guide gives $150 to $700 for testing [10]. Neither is Iowa-specific.

FAQ

I tested once and got 4.5. Do I need a system now?

Iowa HHS says mitigation decisions shouldn't rest on one test result, so follow up first [5].

How soon after a system is installed should I retest?

Iowa's rule says the post-mitigation test starts no sooner than one day after the work is done and within 30 days of installation [11].

Get a quote

Ask about a test or a fix and tell us what you've measured so far.

We're a referral service, not a contractor. We send mitigation requests only to contractors on Iowa HHS's current credentialed list and testing requests only to state-certified radon measurement specialists, but we don't otherwise vet them, a referral is not an endorsement, and independent contractors may pay us for referrals.

Sources

  1. U.S. EPA, EPA Map of Radon Zones, last updated Aug 17, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-map-radon-zones
  2. U.S. EPA, A Citizen's Guide to Radon, EPA 402/K-12/002 (2025 edition, PDF). https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_a_citizens_guide_to_radon.pdf
  3. Johnson County Public Health, Radon Information (fetched Nov 11, 2026). https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/public-health/radon
  4. Linn County Public Health, Radon (fetched Nov 11, 2026). https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1747/Radon
  5. Iowa HHS, Radon program page (fetched Nov 11, 2026). https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/providers-professionals/radiological-health/radon
  6. Iowa Code chapter 136B, Radon Control (2026). https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/136B.pdf
  7. Iowa Administrative Code 641, Chapter 43, Radon Testing and Analysis (ARC 0289D, IAB 5/13/26, effective 7/1/26). https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/641.43.pdf
  8. Iowa HHS, Iowa Certified Radon Measurement Specialists list (PDF, report generated 9/24/2026). https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/7878/download?inline
  9. HomeGuide, "How Much Does a Radon Mitigation System Cost? (2026)," Kristen Cramer, Feb 5, 2026. https://homeguide.com/costs/radon-mitigation-cost
  10. Angi, "How Much Does a Radon Mitigation System Cost? [2026 Data]," Mitchell Grant, updated Sep 28, 2026. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-remove-radon-gas.htm
  11. Iowa Administrative Code 641, Chapter 44, Radon Mitigation (ARC 0290D, IAB 5/13/26, effective 7/1/26). https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/641.44.pdf