Virginia has significant radon risk in its northern and western regions, particularly the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. and the Shenandoah Valley. The Virginia Department of Health estimates that approximately 30% of Virginia homes have radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L statewide, with considerably higher percentages in the northern and western areas. Virginia has enacted both radon contractor licensing and specific real estate disclosure requirements.
EPA Radon Zone Designation
Virginia counties range significantly by zone. Northern Virginia counties (Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, and Bath) overlying the Shenandoah Valley limestone and Blue Ridge geology are Zone 1. Northern Virginia suburban counties (Fairfax, Prince William, Stafford) show elevated levels. Central and southeastern Virginia counties are predominantly Zone 2 to Zone 3.
Radon Contractor Licensing in Virginia
Virginia requires radon contractors to hold a Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) radon license for both measurement and mitigation work. Virginia’s radon licensing program is administered by DPOR and requires passing the licensing examination, demonstrating NRPP or NRSB certification, carrying liability insurance, and completing continuing education. The DPOR maintains a searchable database of licensed radon professionals. Performing radon work without a Virginia radon license is a violation of the Virginia Radon Contractor Licensing Act.
Radon Disclosure Requirements in Virginia
Virginia enacted radon disclosure requirements as part of its residential real estate disclosure law. The Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to provide buyers with a disclosure statement, and while Virginia uses a disclaimer system (sellers may disclaim rather than warrant certain conditions), known elevated radon levels are material conditions that sellers should disclose. Virginia also requires distribution of the EPA radon pamphlet in real estate transactions in certain circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require radon contractor licensing?
Yes. Virginia requires radon contractors to hold a DPOR radon license for both measurement and mitigation. Verify license status through the Virginia DPOR before hiring any radon professional.
What parts of Virginia have the highest radon?
The Shenandoah Valley counties of western Virginia — Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, and Bath counties — and northern Piedmont counties including Loudoun and Fauquier have the highest radon potential. Northern Virginia suburban counties also show elevated levels.
Is radon disclosure required in Virginia real estate?
Virginia uses a property disclosure/disclaimer system. Known material conditions including elevated radon should be disclosed. Radon testing is standard practice in Northern Virginia and Shenandoah Valley transactions.
Northern Virginia Radon Risk
The Northern Virginia suburban corridor — Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Fauquier counties — has significant radon risk, with many areas in Zone 1 due to Piedmont crystalline geology beneath the suburban development. Loudoun County, which has experienced rapid residential growth, has a substantial share of homes with elevated radon levels. Fairfax County — the state’s most populous — shows Zone 1 to Zone 2 levels with meaningful risk throughout. Given the area’s dense housing market and active real estate transactions, radon testing is essentially standard practice in Northern Virginia buyer due diligence.
Shenandoah Valley Radon Specifics
The Shenandoah Valley’s limestone and carbonate geology creates elevated radon potential that extends from Pennsylvania’s south-central counties southward through western Virginia. Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham (Harrisonburg), Augusta (Staunton/Waynesboro), Rockbridge (Lexington), and Bath counties consistently show elevated average radon levels in Virginia Department of Health data. Homes in the Valley — particularly older farmhouses with stone foundations and block walls — can have very high radon concentrations.
Virginia Testing Resources
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Radon Program provides information on certified contractors and radon testing resources. The VDH participates in EPA’s SIRG program. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) maintains the official database of licensed Virginia radon contractors — verify any contractor’s DPOR license before hiring at dpor.virginia.gov. Licensed radon professionals are separately listed from general contractors; confirm the specific radon license is current.
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