USEPA, in “Spotlight: Successful Approaches for Reducing Radon Risk,” noted the success of the Iowa Radon Program (IRP) in continuing to support the Iowa Department of Human Services requirement for radon testing and mitigation in licensed child care centers. The IRP developed education materials focused on properly testing childcare facilities and providing additional technical assistance if mitigation is necessary. In Iowa, licensed child care centers are required to test for radon every two years and mitigate if levels are above guidelines. During this reporting cycle, approximately 250 childcare centers were tested. In coordination with the Iowa DHS the department has developed a guide entitled “Radon Testing Protocols for Iowa Child Care Centers” to assist facilities with their radon monitoring. The Protocols discuss test placement, test results and mitigation.
Iowa requires testing of certain child care facilities based on configuration and availability of test kits. Radon gas levels in excess of 4,0 pCi/L are to be mitigated. Reference:
Iowa Administrative Code 441--109(237A) CHILD CARE CENTERS 109.11(7) Environmental hazards b. Within one year of being issued an initial or renewal license, centers operating in facilities that are at ground level, use a basement area as program space, or have a basement beneath the program area shall have radon testing performed as prescribed by the state department of public health at 641—Chapter 43. Testing shall be required if test kits are available from the local health department or the Iowa Radon Coalition. Retesting shall be accomplished at least every two years from the date of the initial measurement if test kits are available from the local health department or the Iowa Radon Coalition. If testing determines confirmed radon gas levels in excess of 4.0 picocurie per liter, a plan using radon mitigation procedures established by the state department of public health shall be developed with and approved by the state department of public health prior to a full license being issued.
Sources:
Radon Testing Protocols for Iowa Child Care Centers
Overview of EPA’s State Indoor Radon Grants Program: A Focus on Activities Conducted during 2021
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