Radon Questions, Answered

EPA's Map of Radon Zones places Roanoke city, Roanoke County, Salem and Botetourt County in Zone 1, the highest-potential category, where predicted average indoor screening levels are above 4 pCi/L. That's a county-level prediction; EPA says every home should be tested regardless of zone.

EPA recommends fixing your home if a long-term test, or the average of two short-term tests, shows 4 pCi/L or more, and says to consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Short-term tests stay in the home 2 to 90 days (most kits are 2 to 7 days). Long-term tests run more than 90 days and better reflect your year-round average.

Yes. EPA says homeowners can use a qualified do-it-yourself kit. In Virginia, anyone who tests radon professionally must be listed by NRPP or NRSB.

Yes. Virginia Code § 32.1-229.01 requires NRPP or NRSB certification to test or mitigate radon, and mitigation contractors need a Virginia contractor license with the Radon Mitigation Contracting (RMC) specialty from DPOR. You can verify a license on DPOR License Lookup.

It depends on your foundation type, what's under the slab, the pipe route, crawlspace size and your starting radon level. EPA says most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Get written quotes from certified mitigators that include taxes, permits and post-mitigation testing.

EPA says some radon reduction systems can reduce levels by up to 99 percent. A post-mitigation test within 30 days of installation confirms the result.

Fans run continuously and should never be turned off. EPA notes they slightly increase your electric bill and must not be located in or below living space, so they're usually in an attic, garage or outdoors, which keeps noise down.

EPA recommends retesting at least every two years, and after major renovations such as finishing a basement.

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