RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. January is National Radon Action Month.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas resulting from Uranium decay found in certain types of soil and bedrock. Indoor radon exposure is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Radon exposure may contribute to 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year in the United States, including almost 700 cases per year in Virginia.
“High radon test results have been found in every county in Virginia and your results might be significantly different than your neighbor’s,” said Virginia Department of Health Radon Coordinator Ryan Paris. “Radon testing is an inexpensive step that you can take to protect your health and the health of your family members.”
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). To detect an indoor radon problem, it is essential to test homes, workplaces, and other indoor areas. Please visit vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/testing/ for more information on radon testing and mitigation.
Community members can order short-term, do-it-yourself radon test kits from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for a $4 shipping fee. Tests can be ordered at vdhradon.org now through April 30 while supplies last.
Three Things to Do During National Radon Action Month
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Test your home.
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Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.
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EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive.
- Learn more about when to test your home for radon.
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Encourage others to learn about radon and to test their homes.
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Tell your family and friends about the health risk of radon. Encourage them to test their homes.
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View EPA’s free radon publications.
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Learn about buying or building a radon-resistant home.
Community members with confirmed test results of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. This system can usually be installed in one day and consists of PVC piping connected to a fan which runs constantly to draw out the radon gas from beneath the home and vent it outside and away from anyone’s potential breathing space. Please visit the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia.