Iowa Cancer Plan Revised for 2023-2027 Provides Radon Strategies and Action Steps
The Iowa Cancer Plan, newly revised for 2023- 2027, serves as a guide for reducing the cancer burden for individuals and communities in Iowa through individual and group efforts.
“The Iowa Cancer Plan, A Blueprint for Action,” was created to provide direction and support for those who want to work collectively to reduce the burden of cancer.
The goal, “Prevention and Risk Reduction: whenever possible, prevent cancer from occurring,” includes strategies and action steps for radon. These include awareness, testing and mitigation and increasing the use of radon reducing techniques in building and remodeling.
Priority 7 is to “Decrease exposure to radon.”
Strategy A is to “Increase awareness and research around the connection between radon and cancer risk.” Action steps include:
• Educate the public, health care providers, public health officials, school administrators, property owners, property managers and policymakers about radon and its link to lung cancer.
• Encourage home builders and realtors to educate clients regarding radon, cancer risk, testing, and mitigation.
• Support research and funding to increase the evidence for radon-related cancer risks.
• Support research and funding to increase knowledge about the effects of climate change on radon levels.
• Enhance data collection to understand the impact of radon in different geographic and socioeconomic areas of the state.
• Promote continued research between the synergistic effect of radon, tobacco use, and secondhand smoke.
Strategy B is to “Increase the testing for and mitigation of radon in homes and other buildings.” Action Steps include:
• Increase the percentage of Iowans who test their homes for radon and mitigate when needed.
• Increase the number of residential properties/units in low-income neighborhoods that test for radon and install radon mitigation equipment when indicated.
• Collaborate with cities, housing departments, and other organizations to develop initiatives that provide financial assistance for radon testing and mitigation.
• Require radon testing and mitigation in multi-housing units and rental housing.
• Support policies to require radon notification and disclosure during the real estate leasing transaction.
• Support efforts to implement the Gail Orcutt School Radon Safety Act requiring radon testing and mitigation in Iowa public schools (HF2412).
• Encourage development and dissemination of information regarding radon policies and education to radon professionals.
Strategy C is to “Increase the number of residential and other buildings built or remodeled using radon reducing methods.” Action steps include:
• Require newly constructed homes and buildings to be built using passive radon control methods according to the 2015 International Residential Building Code.
• Support workforce development for radon testing and mitigation professionals, especially for large buildings.
See the plan at https://canceriowa.org/iowa-cancer-plan/
United States