Fiscal Note
Fiscal Services Division
HF 2412 – Radon Testing, Schools (LSB5759HV.2)
Staff Contact: Lora Vargason (515.725.2249) lora.vargason@legis.iowa.gov
Fiscal Note Version – Final Action
Description
House File 2412 requires public school districts to establish a radon plan and complete at least
one short-term radon test at each attendance center by July 1, 2027, and at least once every
five years thereafter. Testing will be based on recognized national standards that outline school
radon testing practices. If the results of the initial testing are above a specified level, additional
testing and potential mitigation would be required within two years of the first test. Mitigation
would not be required at an attendance center if the school district intends to abandon the
building within five years or has a plan to renovate the attendance center within five years and
the renovation will include radon mitigation. All new school construction will incorporate radon-
resistant construction techniques. The Bill adds radon testing and mitigation to the list of
permissible uses of revenues from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund.
Background
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is
produced by the natural breakdown or decay of uranium, which is found in soil and rock
throughout the United States. Radon travels through soil and enters buildings through cracks
and other holes in the foundation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
recognizes the natural outdoor level of radon gas at 0.4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA
recommends corrective action for indoor radon levels measured at or above 4 pCi/L. The EPA
has designated all 99 Iowa counties as Zone 1 for the highest average indoor radon potential.
Assumptions
• The Department of Public Health (DPH) will work with the Department of Education to
develop the standards, write rules, and handle the influx of additional applications from
individuals requesting school testing designation. No additional full-time equivalent
positions will be required.
• The EPA suggests initial short-term testing in all frequently occupied, ground contact rooms.
Public school districts will test schoolrooms within each school building. There are 1,293
public school attendance centers in the State of Iowa, with an estimated average of 17
classrooms per attendance center.
• The current cost of a radon test is estimated to be $10 to $15 per test.
• Average mitigation costs per building are $3,300 but can vary greatly.
• New school construction is already incorporating radon-resistant construction techniques
Fiscal Impact
House File 2412 will have no fiscal impact to the State but will have a fiscal impact to local
school districts.
The statewide cost estimate for initial radon testing for public schools is expected to be between
$220,000 to $330,000. The cost estimate for required additional radon testing to public school
districts is currently unknown and will depend on the number of radon tests that provide positive
radon results. School districts may choose to use district employees trained in radon testing.
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Initial measurement specialist certification for radon testing is $275. Initial mitigation specialist
certification for radon testing is $175. Training for an individual to receive both certifications is
$400. It is unknown how many public school personnel already have certification or would
pursue certification.
The estimated cost to public school districts for radon mitigation is currently unknown and would
depend on the number of facilities that exceed radon limits.
House File 2412 may include a State mandate as defined in Iowa Code section 25B.3 and
requires that any State mandate in the Bill be paid by a school district from the State Foundation
School Aid appropriation.
Sources
Department of Education
Department of Public Health
United States Environmental Protection Agency
American Cancer Society
/s/ Holly M. Lyons
June 24, 2022
Doc ID 1290345
The fiscal note for this Bill was prepared pursuant to Joint Rule 17 and the Iowa Code. Data used in
developing this fiscal note is available from the Fiscal Services Division of the Legislative Services
Agency upon request.
www.legis.iowa.gov
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Statutes affected:
Introduced: 136B.1, 423F.3
Reprinted: 136B.1
Enrolled: 136B.1