Vermont has meaningful radon risk, with approximately 40% of Vermont homes estimated to have levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. The state’s geology — including granitic and metamorphic bedrock throughout the state — including the Green Mountains granitic core, the Connecticut River Valley schist and gneiss, and uranium-bearing rocks in the northeastern Kingdom — creates radon potential across significant portions of the state. The Department of Health administers radon program resources for Vermont residents.
EPA Radon Zone Designation
Zone 1 across most of the state due to granitic and metamorphic geology — Vermont’s bedrock geology creates significant radon potential statewide.
Highest-Radon Areas in Vermont
Chittenden County (Burlington), Washington County (Montpelier), and Addison County (Middlebury) show significant radon levels due to granitic geology. The Northeast Kingdom counties of Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia have high radon potential. Franklin and Grand Isle counties also show elevated levels.
Radon Contractor Requirements in Vermont
NRPP or NRSB national certification. Vermont has no separate state radon licensing statute. The Department of Health maintains radon program resources. Verify contractor credentials at nrpp.info or nrsb.org before engaging any radon professional for measurement or mitigation work.
Radon Disclosure in Vermont
Vermont’s Property Transfer Disclosure Statement requires sellers to disclose known material defects. Vermont does not have a radon-specific disclosure statute, but known elevated radon is material information. Radon testing is standard practice in Vermont real estate transactions.
Testing Resources for Vermont Residents
Contact the Department of Health for the most current list of certified radon professionals, any available test kit programs, and jurisdiction-specific requirements that may have been updated since this page was last reviewed. The national NRPP contractor directory (nrpp.info) is searchable by zip code and provides real-time certification verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont a high-radon state?
Yes. Approximately 40% of Vermont homes exceed 4.0 pCi/L — one of the highest rates in New England. Vermont’s granitic and metamorphic bedrock creates significant radon potential statewide.
Does Vermont require radon contractor licensing?
NRPP or NRSB national certification is required. No separate Vermont licensing statute. Verify credentials at nrpp.info or nrsb.org before hiring.
Is radon a concern in Burlington or Montpelier?
Yes. Chittenden County (Burlington) and Washington County (Montpelier) are Zone 1 areas with significant radon potential. Testing is recommended for all Vermont homes.
Burlington and Chittenden County Radon
Chittenden County (Burlington, South Burlington, Williston, Shelburne, Colchester) is Vermont’s most populous county and a Zone 1 radon area. Burlington sits at the transition between the Champlain Valley lowlands (lower radon) and the Green Mountains foothills (higher radon), with radon levels varying significantly by neighborhood. East-side Burlington communities closer to the Green Mountain foothills generally test higher than those on the Champlain lakefront. Chittenden County’s active real estate market makes radon testing standard practice in buyer due diligence.
Northeast Kingdom Radon
Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom — Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia counties — has some of the state’s highest radon potential due to the Northeastern Highlands geology of granites, gneisses, and schist. These rural communities have extensive older housing stock with stone foundations, unfinished basements, and minimal sealing — creating multiple radon entry pathways. Northeast Kingdom homeowners are among those most likely to benefit from testing and mitigation, and the region’s housing affordability relative to Chittenden County means many homes have not been tested or upgraded.
Vermont Testing Resources
The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) Occupational and Radiological Health Program administers the state radon program. VDH provides certified contractor information, county-level radon survey data, and educational resources. Vermont participates in EPA’s SIRG program. Contact VDH for the current certified contractor list and test kit guidance. Vermont has been active in radon public health education, and the VDH radon program has developed materials specific to Vermont’s older housing types and geological context.
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