{"id":23333,"date":"2026-01-05T10:13:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T15:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=23333"},"modified":"2026-01-05T10:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T15:13:13","slug":"radon-action-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2026\/01\/05\/radon-action-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Radon Action Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. January is <\/span>National Radon Action Month<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Radon<\/span><\/a> is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas resulting from Uranium decay found in certain types of soil and bedrock. <\/span>Indoor radon exposure<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRadon testing can help you protect your health and the health of your family members,\u201d said Virginia Department of Health Office of Radiological Health Director Matthew Ettinger. \u201cHigh radon test results have been found in every county in Virginia, and risk can vary widely from home to home.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Radon Risk Areas<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Data<\/span><\/a> from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Radon Program show that Virginia has<\/span> 42 counties and six cities<\/span> classified as high risk, with average radon test results of greater than 4 <\/span>picocuries per liter (<\/span>pCi\/L<\/span>). Virginia also has <\/span>31 counties and eight cities classified as moderate risk (average radon test results of 2 to 4 pCi\/L).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Richmond City and Henrico County are both classified as moderate radon risk areas, with average indoor radon levels of 2.8 pCi\/L in Richmond and 3.1 pCi\/L in Henrico County. While these averages are below the EPA action level of 4 pCi\/L, some homes have much higher levels of radon. <\/span>The only way to determine radon risk is to test homes, workplaces, and other indoor areas. Please visit <\/span>vdh.virginia.gov\/radiological-health\/indoor-radon-program\/testing\/<\/span><\/a> for more information on radon testing and mitigation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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. 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\u2019s potential breathing space. Please visit the <\/span>National Radon Safety Board<\/span><\/a> and the<\/span> National Radon Proficiency Program<\/span><\/a> to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Three Things You Should Do During National Radon Action Month<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n