By: Maria-Paula

Virginia, just like other U.S. states has shown positive radon gas test results, including locations designated as “low risk” areas including outdoor areas where levels tend to be lower. Different test results have confirmed high levels of the gas in poorly ventilated homes, schools and workspaces in Virginia.

This may result when buildings are constructed over small Uranium deposits, non-native fill material or when the foundation is cut into valleys or hillsides where they may encounter deeper geologic layers that are high in radon source material. 

When uranium in the earth’s crust decays, it turns into radium. This, in turn, can turn into an odorless, colorless gas called radon, which may seep through rocks, soil, and emerge into home. 
Radon, which is undetectable without proper testing, is extremely harmful to humans and is one of the leading causes of lung cancer hence the emphasis on radon testing in Virginia by authorities. There are two different types of radon tests, short-term and long-term. A short-term test lasts 2-7 days and should not be performed if severe weather is expected. Powerful storms can sometimes cause temporary high spikes in indoor radon levels. 
Most homes show seasonal fluctuation in radon levels. Winter usually yields the highest results and summer the lowest. Radon levels also tend to be highest on the ground floor. A wide variety of short-term test kits can be found in hardware stores or online ranging from $10-20. While supplies last, short term test kits can be purchased for $3 at www.vdhradon.org. The best way to confirm an initial borderline short-term test result is a $25-$30 long-term test that lasts 12 months.
The closer you get to the ocean the lower the odds of encountering high radon levels, but this is not a guarantee that high radon levels will never be found in such areas. Virginia is therefore not off the hook with residents sensitized that the winter months are the best time of year to test for radon.

The naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon, can be released anywhere. In Virginia alone, there are three radon zones which have a particularly high risk of sip into human habitats. Some of the cities which record the highest risk of radon include Augusta, Harrisonburg, Arlington, Falls Church, Covington amongst others. Even homes in cities with low potential exposure zones, such as Virginia Beach, are at risk and equally recommended for radon check.
During the cold, radon testing in buildings is encouraged since testing is the only way to detect the hazardous gas. Through testing, buildings with elevated levels of radon may also need mitigation for prevention of further exposure for the community. Any home can be affected by high levels of radon regardless of the home’s location, when or how it was built and what building materials were used during construction. 

Whether using a professional home inspector or using a radon test kit at home, assessment of either a new or existing home should be prioritized.

Radon testing is therefore recommended to ensure freedom from the gas and/or that appropriate steps are taken to mitigate high radon levels in the case that your home does have an elevated radon risk. Any radon exposure carries some risk, and no level of radon exposure is always safe. Smoking is by far the most dangerous behavior that will increase your radon risk. Current smokers have approximately a ten times greater radon risk than never smokers. 

Confirmed test results of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, should call for mitigation. The mitigation system can usually be installed in one day and consists of PVC piping connected to a fan which runs 24/7 to provide suction. This system seeks to draw out the radon gas from beneath your home and vent it outside of anybody’s potential breathing space. Professional radon mitigators and testers who are currently certified according to the VA Code can be found on the websites of the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program. 

If your test kit does not show high levels of radon, you can take some steps to make sure your home stays that way. Improving ventilation buildings by bringing in more outside air and sealing any foundation cracks are helpful tips. Fuel-burning furnaces and exhaust fans create negative air pressure that can draw more radon, hence a suggestion to minimize them.  
National Radon Action Month ended Jan. 31, but the fight to minimize radon risk continues. Order your test kit from vdhradon.org today.