Radon in Virginia: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. It’s present in the soil and can seep into your home through cracks and openings in the foundation. While it’s harmless in open air, it can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors, posing a serious health risk to you and your family. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year.

For Virginia homeowners, understanding the risks of radon and how to address them is crucial. Here we cover the radon landscape in Virginia, from the prevalence of the gas across the state to the steps you can take to ensure your home is safe.

Radon Levels Across Virginia

High radon levels have been found in every county in Virginia — including those designated as “low risk” on the EPA’s radon zone map. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) classifies counties into three zones based on their potential for elevated indoor radon levels:

• Zone 1 (High Risk): Counties with the highest potential for elevated radon levels, averaging above 4 pCi/L. Virginia has 46 counties and 15 cities in this category, including much of Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
• Zone 2 (Moderate Risk): Counties with average radon test results between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Virginia has 31 counties and eight cities in this zone.
• Zone 3 (Low Risk): Counties with the lowest potential, primarily along the coastal plain. However, high radon results have still been found in these areas.

The bottom line: no matter where you live in Virginia, your home could have elevated radon levels. The only way to know for certain is to test.

Radon and Virginia Real Estate

Radon has become an important consideration in Virginia real estate transactions. While the state does not currently mandate radon testing as part of a home sale, many mortgage lenders require it as a condition of financing. If a test reveals radon levels at or above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the lender will often require a radon mitigation system to be installed before the sale can proceed.

This has made radon testing a routine part of the home inspection process in Virginia, similar to mold testing and termite inspections. Whether you are buying or selling, it pays to be prepared. Sellers who proactively test and mitigate before listing can avoid delays at closing, while buyers gain peace of mind knowing the home they are purchasing is safe.

What Happens If Your Home Tests High?

If your home tests above 4.0 pCi/L, don’t panic — radon is very treatable. The most common solution is a sub-slab depressurization (SSD) system, which involves installing a network of pipes beneath your home’s foundation and venting them outside. A small fan creates a pressure difference that draws radon out of the soil before it can enter your living space.

The installation process is typically completed in a single day, and a post-mitigation test is conducted afterward to confirm that radon levels have been reduced to a safe range. In Virginia, the cost of a radon mitigation system generally ranges from $1,100 to $4,500, depending on the size and construction of your home, the severity of the radon level, and whether you choose an interior or exterior system.

Choosing a Qualified Radon Professional in Virginia

Virginia requires radon professionals to hold a current certification from either the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Additionally, any radon mitigator charging $1,000 or more for a job must hold a Virginia Contractor’s License. When hiring a professional, always verify their credentials and check their reviews. A reputable company will be fully licensed, insured, and transparent about their process.

As with any home improvement project, it is a good idea to get multiple quotes. Be cautious of prices that seem unusually low — cheap quotes can sometimes mean inexperienced installers or low-quality materials, which can lead to problems down the road, especially if you are in the middle of a real estate transaction.

How We Can Help

Based in Culpeper, Virginia, 2020 Radon provides professional radon mitigation services across Central Virginia, including Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Ruckersville, Charlottesville, Warrenton, Fredericksburg, and surrounding areas. We are NRPP Certified (#111040-RMS) and work with homeowners, buyers, sellers, and realtors to ensure a smooth and safe process from start to finish.

If your home has tested high for radon, or if you simply want to know where your levels stand, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We guarantee to bring your home’s radon levels within the acceptable range.