RHHD encourage radon testing during National Radon Action Month
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging residents to protect their health by testing their homes for radon during January, which is National Radon Action Month.
RHHD said radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that results from Uranium decay found in certain types of soil and bedrock.
Indoor radon exposure is reportedly considered the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Radon exposure may contribute to 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year in the U.S., including almost 700 cases per year in Virginia, according to the health districts.
“Radon testing can help you protect your health and the health of your family members,” said Virginia Department of Health (VDH) 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."
Data from the VDH Radon Program show that Virginia has 42 counties and six cities classified as high risk, with average radon test results of more than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Virginia also has 31 counties and eight cities classified as moderate risk (average radon test results of 2 to 4 pCi/L), according to RHHD. The health districts said the only way to determine radon risk is to test homes, workplaces and other indoor areas.
Richmond 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. Though these averages are below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level of 4 pCi/L, some homes have much higher levels of radon.
RHHD said residents with confirmed test results between 2 and 4 pCi/L of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. A mitigation system should reportedly 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’s potential breathing space," RHHD said.
Residents can visit the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program websites to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia.
RHHD said to take the following steps during National Radon Action Month:
- Test your home.
- Encourage others to learn about radon and to test their homes.
- Tell family and friends about the health risk of radon and encourage them to test their homes.
- View the EPA's free radon publications.
- Learn about buying or building a radon-resistant home.
For more information on radon testing and mitigation, visit the VDH's website.
