Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock and water breaks down naturally. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it. The Virginia Department of Health and the EPA both recommend that all homes be tested, because testing is the only way to know if a particular home has a radon problem.
If you live in Lynchburg or nearby and want a test done, (434) 455-8258 connects you with licensed and insured local radon testing professionals. This page explains how testing works so you know what to expect.
Why every home needs its own test
Radon can enter through cracks in floors and walls, gaps around pipes and wires, sump pits, crawl spaces and other openings in the foundation. Any home can have a radon problem, whether it is new or old, with or without a basement.
That applies across the city. A brick home in Rivermont, a rowhouse near Court House Hill or Federal Hill, and a newer house in a Forest or Timberlake subdivision all need their own result. The VDH reports that high radon results have been found in every Virginia county, including counties marked low risk on EPA's map. A neighbor's result does not tell you about your house.
EPA says radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked, and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor.
Short-term and long-term tests
There are two main kinds of radon test. They differ mostly in how long they stay in place.
- Short-term tests stay in place from 2 to 90 days. They give a snapshot of conditions during the test.
- Long-term tests stay in place for more than 90 days. They better reflect the year-round average, which can shift with the seasons.
A short-term test is a common starting point, especially when you need an answer for a home sale. A long-term test can help when you want a fuller picture of how the house behaves through the year. A local professional can talk through which fits your situation.
Closed-house conditions
Short-term tests are done under closed-house conditions. That means windows and outside doors stay shut except for normal coming and going. The goal is a steady reading that is not thrown off by open windows pulling in outdoor air.
Lynchburg winters are cool, with January averages around 36 degrees F, and many homes stay closed up anyway. Nights in the Blue Ridge foothills run noticeably cooler than days. Still, the test depends on the house being kept closed, not on the weather. Your tester will explain what to do and what to avoid while the device is in place.
Where the test goes
The test device is placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home. That might be a finished basement, a ground-floor living area or a bedroom, depending on the house. Lynchburg is called the City of Seven Hills, and many homes sit on slopes. On a hillside lot, the lowest level people actually use may be partly below grade on one side and open to the yard on the other. Call (434) 455-8258 to reach a local provider.
A professional will choose a spot away from drafts, exterior walls and high-humidity areas. They will also keep the device off the floor and out of closets and cabinets. If you test with a kit yourself, follow the instructions that come with it closely.
What your result means
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter, written pCi/L. Here is how EPA frames the numbers:
- 4 pCi/L or higher: EPA recommends fixing the home.
- Between 2 and 4 pCi/L: EPA says homeowners should consider fixing the home.
- Below 2 pCi/L: this is under the range where EPA suggests considering action.
If a short-term result is high, a follow-up test is often a reasonable next step before you decide what to do. If you do move forward with reducing radon, the Radon Mitigation Systems page explains how a system works. After a system is installed, the Post-Mitigation Testing page covers how to confirm it is doing its job.
Testing during a home sale
Buyers often ask for a radon test during the inspection period. A result from a previous owner may not reflect current conditions, especially after renovations. Closed-house conditions matter here too, so plan the test with your agent or inspector.
Whether you are buying near Liberty University, selling in Boonsboro or Peakland, or simply moved into a home in Madison Heights, a fresh test gives you a current number.
Radon in well water
Some homes outside the city, in Amherst, Bedford and Campbell counties, use private well water. Radon in well water can be released into the air when water is used. Well water is tested separately from air. For most homes, radon in air is the larger concern, so an air test is the usual place to begin.
Who can do the testing
Virginia law requires anyone doing professional radon testing or mitigation to hold current certification from the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) or the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). Virginia Code 32.1-229.01 sets this rule. EPA also recommends hiring a qualified radon professional.
The contractors you are connected with are licensed and insured local professionals. Calling (434) 455-8258 is a simple way to start, whether you are in Lynchburg, Rustburg, Forest, Timberlake or Madison Heights.