Richmond and Henrico Health Districts officials encourage radon testing
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts officials are encouraging people to test their homes for radon during January, which 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, officials estimate.
“Radon testing can help you protect your health and the health of your family members,” said Virginia Department of Health Office of Radiological Health Director Matthew Ettinger. “High radon test results have been found in every county in Virginia, and risk can vary widely from home to home."
Henrico considered 'moderate' risk area
Data from Virginia Department of Health Radon Program show that Virginia has 42 counties and six cities classified as high risk, with average radon test results of greater than 4 picocuries per liter.
Virginia also has 31 counties and eight cities classified as moderate risk (average radon test results of 2 to 4 pCi/L) – including Henrico and Richmond. Henrico's average indoor radon level is 3.1 pCi/L, which is below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. But, some homes have much higher levels of radon.
The only way to determine radon risk is to test homes, workplaces, and other indoor areas.
$4 testing kits available from VDH
The Virginia Department of Health is offering a limited number of radon-testing kits for $4 (which covers the cost of shipping). To order one, visit www.vdhradon.org/
For details about radon testing and mitigation, visit vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/testing/.
Community members with confirmed test results between 2 and 4 pCi/L of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. A mitigation system should be installed in a home where the test result is 4 pCi/L or higher, officials said. The system usually can be installed in one day and consists of PVC piping connected to a fan that runs constantly to draw out the radon gas from beneath the home and vent it outside and away from anyone’s potential breathing space.
Visit the National Radon Safety Board to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia.
