Frequently Asked Questions

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes naturally from the surrounding soil and build up indoors over time. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted without testing. Standard home air filters and air purifiers, including HEPA filters, do not eliminate radon.

Radon levels are measured in pCi/L (picocuries per liter), the standard unit used to measure radon in the air.

Iowa has the highest average indoor radon levels in the country. Elevated levels can be found in homes of any age, location, or foundation type.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer nationwide and is common throughout Iowa and the Midwest. The EPA recommends testing all homes, regardless of age, foundation type, or location.

According to the Iowa Radon Survey, nearly 72% of Iowa homes tested above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. However, no level of radon exposure is considered completely risk-free.

Radon testing is a specialized service. While many home inspectors offer radon testing as one of dozens of inspection services, our sole focus is accurate radon measurement.

Our procedures, equipment, reporting, and customer support are all designed around one goal: providing accurate radon measurements you can trust.

We don’t install mitigation systems or recommend one contractor over another. Our role is simply to provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your home and health.

The EPA recommends considering mitigation when radon levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L. Even lower levels may still carry some risk, and long-term testing may be recommended in some situations.

Radon levels can vary due to weather, seasons, ventilation, occupancy, and other factors. A test reflects a baseline "snapshot" of conditions during the testing period.

A high radon result does not mean you need to leave your home or that there is an immediate health emergency. If your result is above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, mitigation is generally recommended. Most homes can be successfully mitigated, with radon levels often reduced by 80–99%.

If your result is near the EPA action level, a long-term test can provide additional information before deciding whether a significant investment in mitigation is necessary. Because radon levels naturally fluctuate over time, we offer long-term testing to provide a clearer picture of your home’s typical radon level.

We keep pricing simple: $149 flat-rate radon testing throughout the Des Moines metro. No hidden fees, no upsells, and no upfront payment required to book.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds? Depending on your plan, health-related environmental testing may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA, FSA, or HRA. We recommend checking with your plan administrator to determine your eligibility.

For most homes, the entire process from placement to report is completed in three days or less. Most clients receive their full report within 24 hours of equipment retrieval, with preliminary results available at pickup.

For time-sensitive transactions, the Real Estate Priority Package includes expedited report delivery within 4 hours of monitor retrieval, a signed declaration documenting licensing and calibration information, and access to priority scheduling options.

We place professional radon testing equipment in the lowest livable area of the house, typically for a 48-hour testing period while maintaining closed house conditions. After the test is complete, we arrange a time to retrieve the equipment and provide your results and recommendations.

Closed house conditions are required for most short-term radon tests. This means:

• Windows should remain closed
• Exterior doors should only be used for normal entry and exit
• Whole-house ventilation systems, including attic fans, should not be used
• Fireplaces and wood burning stoves should not be used

These conditions should begin at least 12 hours before testing and remain in place throughout the test period to ensure accurate results. HVAC systems should continue operating normally. Air filters, floor fans and ceiling or circulation fans may be used as usual.

If closed house conditions are not maintained, or testing equipment is tampered with during the test, it may be invalidated and retesting may be required.

DSM Radon Lab is licensed to use specialized, highly sensitive radon measurement equipment designed specifically for professional testing.

Our machines are roughly 6x6 inches in size, operate silently, and sit on a tripod, taking up a small amount of space. During testing, you must ensure the machine is not moved or bumped, or results could be invalidated.

No, DSM Radon Lab focuses on independent radon testing only. We do not install mitigation systems or sell mitigation services. We do not endorse or have any affiliation with any mitigation company, but can provide a list of local reputable installers.

Yes. We perform post-mitigation testing to verify that a radon mitigation system is effectively reducing radon levels after installation. This independent confirmation helps ensure new and existing mitigation systems are performing as intended and provides peace of mind for homeowners, buyers, and sellers.

Because DSM Radon Lab focuses exclusively on independent radon testing and does not install mitigation systems, our results are unbiased and based solely on accurate measurement.

If you’d like to learn more about radon, there are several excellent resources available online. We recommend starting with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the American Lung Association’s Iowa Radon Program, which provide information specific to Iowa, including testing guidance, mitigation information, and DIY test kits.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also publishes several free homeowner guides that are widely referenced throughout the radon industry:

• A Citizen’s Guide to Radon

  An introduction to radon, health risks, testing, and understanding your results.

• Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction

  Explains how radon mitigation systems work, what to expect, and how to choose a qualified contractor.

• Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon

  Covers radon testing during real estate transactions and answers common questions for buyers and sellers.

These are trusted, unbiased resources developed by public health organizations. Whether you’re just beginning to learn about radon or researching your next steps after receiving a test result, they’re an excellent place to start.

Absolutely. If you'd rather test your home yourself, Iowa offers radon education resources and free or low-cost radon test kits through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. You can also order a kit through the American Lung Association's Iowa Radon Program.

DIY testing kits are a more affordable option, though it typically takes several weeks from the time you order a kit until you receive your results. Our professional testing typically provides results within 48 hours and includes a detailed report, clear guidance on what your results mean, and answers to any questions you may have.