Lung Association Statement on Bill Signed by Governor Reynolds Requiring Radon Testing in Iowa Schools

Yesterday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) signed into law HF 2412, the Gail Orcutt School Radon Safety Act, which will require all Iowa public schools to test their attendance centers for radon and if necessary, mitigate radon in their schools. Under this law, radon testing will need to be completed by all Iowa public schools by 2027 and repeated at least once every 5 years. In addition, all new school construction will be required to incorporate radon-resistant construction techniques. The American Lung Association in Iowa’s Advocacy Director, Kristina Hamilton, issued the following statement:

“This legislation will help ensure that Iowa school children and teachers are protected from radon exposure, the second leading cause of lung cancer, and will potentially save countless lives. We thank Governor Reynolds for signing this bill into law in honor of Gail Orcutt, a retired Iowa teacher and radon safety advocate who lost her battle with radon-induced lung cancer in 2020. This law is a critical step to help keep others in Iowa from having to unnecessarily suffer lung cancer and death. The American Lung Association stands ready to support efforts to implement this lifesaving policy.”