04/23/2025
Radon is a significant concern in the Mid-Ohio Valley, which includes parts of West Virginia and Ohio (like Parkersburg, Marietta, Vienna, etc.). Here's a quick overview of the radon situation in that region:
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It's colorless, odorless, and tasteless—but highly dangerous when inhaled over time, as it's the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Mid-Ohio Valley Risk Levels
EPA Zone 1: Much of the Mid-Ohio Valley is designated as Zone 1 by the EPA, which means counties in this region have a predicted average indoor radon level greater than 4.0 pCi/L—the level at which mitigation is strongly recommended.
Counties like Wood, Washington, and surrounding areas often report higher-than-average radon levels in homes and buildings due to local geology.
What You Can Do
1. Test Your Home: MOV Radon Specialists perform testing with certified testers to give you accurate results.
2. Mitigation Systems: If levels are high (4.0 pCi/L or above), radon mitigation systems can reduce indoor levels significantly. These often involve vent pipes and fans to divert the radon before it enters your home.
3. Retest every 1-2 years. Shifts in the earth can raise levels of exposure.
