Don’t Wait: Test Your Home for Radon

Don’t Wait: Test Your Home for Radon

October 13, 2025 in News, Public Health

September 29th through October 1st, Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) gave away 583 free radon test kits to Delaware County residents. This would not have been possible without the grant funding provided by the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County. 

“The positive response from this initiative was outstanding,” shared Krystle DeShaw, Delaware County Public Health Administrator. “It goes to show that Delaware County residents are committed to their wellbeing and understand the negative impact radon can have on their health.” 

What is radon? Often called an “invisible killer”, radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is harmful to people’s health. It is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Radon comes naturally from the ground. It can enter and build up inside any building–new or old–without warning, causing risk to all who live inside. Fortunately, testing for radon and fixing any radon problems are quick, easy and can save residents’ lives. 

Free radon test kits were limited to one test kit per Delaware County household. However, DCPH urges all community members who did not receive a test kit to seek one out. Radon has no color, taste or smell. The only way to detect radon in your home is to test for it. As many as 5 in 7 homes across Iowa have elevated radon levels. 

Find more information about radon testing, facts and prevention through the American Lung Association by calling their help line (1-800-383-5992) or visit lung.org/radon.

On behalf of DCPH, we’d like to thank the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County for providing this opportunity to our community.