Last Updated: January 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, [email protected]
 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Test Their Homes for Radon 

January is National Radon Action Month 

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. January is National Radon Action Month.  

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas resulting from Uranium decay found in certain types of soil and bedrock. Indoor radon exposure is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Radon exposure may contribute to 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year in the United States, including almost 700 cases per year in Virginia. 

“Radon testing can help you protect your health and the health of your family members,” said Virginia Department of Health 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.” 

Radon Risk Areas 

Data from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Radon Program show that Virginia has 42 counties and six cities classified as high risk, with average radon test results of greater 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). 

Richmond City 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. While these averages are below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, some homes have much higher levels of radon. The only way to determine radon risk is to test homes, workplaces, and other indoor areas. Please visit vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/testing/ for more information on radon testing and mitigation. 

Community members with confirmed test results between 2 and 4 pCi/L of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. A mitigation system should 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. Please visit the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia. 

Three Things You Should Do During National Radon Action Month 

• • Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.  

• • EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive.  

• Encourage others to learn about radon and to test their homes. 

• Learn about buying or building a radon-resistant home.  

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

# # # 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs. 

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd 

Last Updated: January 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, [email protected]
 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Test Their Homes for Radon 

January is National Radon Action Month 

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. January is National Radon Action Month.  

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas resulting from Uranium decay found in certain types of soil and bedrock. Indoor radon exposure is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Radon exposure may contribute to 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year in the United States, including almost 700 cases per year in Virginia. 

“Radon testing can help you protect your health and the health of your family members,” said Virginia Department of Health 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.” 

Radon Risk Areas 

Data from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Radon Program show that Virginia has 42 counties and six cities classified as high risk, with average radon test results of greater 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). 

Richmond City 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. While these averages are below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, some homes have much higher levels of radon. The only way to determine radon risk is to test homes, workplaces, and other indoor areas. Please visit vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/testing/ for more information on radon testing and mitigation. 

Community members with confirmed test results between 2 and 4 pCi/L of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. A mitigation system should 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. Please visit the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia. 

Three Things You Should Do During National Radon Action Month 

• • Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.  

• • EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive.  

• Encourage others to learn about radon and to test their homes. 

• Learn about buying or building a radon-resistant home.  

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

# # # 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs. 

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd