EPA Radon Risk Map for VA

Home buyers are wary when it comes to radon. Many real estate transactions go south after elevated levels are discovered.

Ryan Paris, Radiation Safety Specialist & Radon Coordinator for the VA Department of Health, taught a Radon in Real Estate Class during RAR’s World Series Education Week.  Here are some key takeaways from that class:

What is radon and how does it get into homes?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive decay product of Uranium. It can be found in many types of rocks, soils and ground water. In Virginia, common culprits are granite and shale.

Radon seeps into the livable space of any type of home; whether built over a slab, basement or crawlspace. It is an odorless and colorless gas.

What is considered to be a high radon level?

Radon is measured in pCi/L (pico curies per liter of air). The USEPA recommends mitigation if the radon level is 4.0 pBi/L or higher. Mitigation should be considered for levels between 2.0 and 3.9 pCi/L.

Is Radon testing required prior to a home purchase?

A purchase agreement may include a radon test/mitigation contingency clause. However, no state or federal law currently requires testing prior to a sale. Additionally, no state or federal law requires mitigation if radon levels are found to be elevated.

What is the cost of mitigation?

Mitigation costs vary widely depending upon the construction of the home and radon levels revealed by radon testing.  A vent pipe system powered by an electric fan is a common method of mitigation This method can cost between $800 and $2500.

For more radon-related information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov and find radon in “Health Topics A-Z.”