Exposure to indoor radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas, is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Exposure to radon may contribute to 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year in the United States, including almost 700 cases per year in Virginia.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies radon risk areas as Zones 1, 2 or 3. Virginia has 46 counties and 15 cities that are classified as Zone 1 (high risk), and 24 counties and 8 cities classified as Zone 2 (moderate risk). Click here for a VA risk map. Testing your home, workplace or other normally occupied area is the only way to know for sure if an indoor radon problem exists. For more details about radon testing and mitigation, see Radon Testing & Mitigation.
The Code of Virginia requires that Radon testers and mitigators be currently certified by either the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). The link noted above can be utilized to search for radon testers and mitigators by state.
VDH is making a limited supply of short-term, do-it-yourself radon test kits available for only a $3 shipping fee. This offer will only be available between the dates of October 1 and April 30 each year or until the available supply of test kits runs out. Order your test kits here.
For further information, read the EPA publication, Home Buyers and Sellers Guide to Radon.