Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — The Iowa House has sent the Senate a bill to require that home builders install passive radon mitigation systems in new homes. It would also establish a state tax credit for the installation of radon mitigation systems in existing homes and buildings.
Representative Hans Wilz of Ottumwa says EPA ratings show every county in the state has an elevated level of radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in Iowans who are not smokers. Wilz says radon mitigation systems can save the state and its citizens hundreds of millions of dollars that would be spent on health care costs.
The bill would set up a state tax credit of up to a thousand dollars for the installation of a radon mitigation system in existing structures. Individuals could claim the credit on their personal income taxes. The credit would be available to some businesses as well as the managers of estates or trusts working to prepare a property for sale after the owner’s death. Starting in 2027, state law already requires regular radon testing of Iowa school buildings and mitigation if unsafe levels are found.
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