15 January States that are Taking the Fight to Radon January 15, 2024 By Melisa Rana Home Inspection, Safety Foundation, Plumbing, Radon, Ventilation 0 THE STATES TAKING MEASURES TO FIGHT RADON January 15, 2024 | Home Inspection, safety | radon, foundation, plumbing, ventilation As declared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, businesses and government organizations devote their attention every January to increasing public awareness of the very real and often overlooked dangers of radon gas. Per the CDC, radon is an odorless, colorless gas that finds its way into buildings through the breakdown process of natural materials within the soil. Today, radon is the second leading cause for lung cancer only behind smoking. The good news is that the effects of radon gas can be avoided first through effective testing and then through mitigation. Your family’s health is no joke, so if you haven’t already looked into radon levels in your home, your kids’ school, or your work, let this article be your sign to take action. Officials across the nation are taking notice of the dangers of radon, but most people are unaware of what their state is doing to combat radon, or how their state compares to the national average. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists offers a yearly report card, which dives further into things like whether radon testing professionals need to be credentialed, whether school testing is required, and what percentage of homes in the state are in Zones 2 or 1 (meaning radon testing is advised). Radon professionals advise that there is no safe level of radon, and homes found in Zone 3 can still have higher levels of radon than homes found in Zone 1. Regardless of how your state is doing in the battle against radon, don’t leave your home’s levels up to chance! With that said, let’s take a look at radon state by state in 2024: Alabama Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 46% (#33) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Alabama Public Health is an annual participant in National Radon Action Month, directing residents to test their homes for radon in January. While Zones 1, 2, and 3 are all present in Alabama, counties in northern and central Alabama have the highest potential for dangerous levels of radon in homes. Visit Alabama Public Health’s website for more information. Alaska Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 36% (T - #41) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Although registering some of the lower levels of radon in the country, Alaska recognizes the importance of spreading awareness. Since 2021, Alaskan students can enter the annual Alaska Radon Poster Contest to get the word out and motivate homeowners to test. Learn more about 2024’s poster contest and the state of radon in Alaska by visiting Alaska’s DNR website. Arizona Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 40% (#39) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Arizona is one of the least regulated states in the US when it comes to radon prevention, though they recommend using an NRPP/AARST certified professional. When scheduling a radon test, ask your contractor about their certifications. Arkansas Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 44% (#36) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Radon testing professionals in Arkansas aren’t required to receive national certifications from the NRSB or the NRPP. Arkansas ranks as one of the states with the most instances of lung cancer in the nation. Per the EPA, radon exposure greatly increases the chances of lung cancer among smokers and non-smokers. Follow the Arkansas Department of Health for any new resources or updates. California Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 23% (#45) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications School testing required: No As a reaction to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s multifamily Radon policy adopted on July 1 of 2023, California’s Department of Public Health released a public bulletin regarding their state credential requirements for Radon professionals. Without the proper prerequisites, radon professionals cannot advertise their services in California, so homeowners can respond to promotions with extra confidence. For more information on radon in California, check with the California Department of Conservation’s info page. Colorado Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 66% (#15) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Licenses School testing required: Yes Effective August 7, 2023, Colorado real estate contracts are now required to include warnings about the dangers of radon and the results of previous tests performed on the property. Due to a high amount of uranium in the Rocky Mountains, the chance of high radon exposure is very high within the state. For residents looking to learn more about the 2023 Colorado Senate Bill, Erika Carroll with Protect Environmental provides a breakdown. Connecticut Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 58% (T - #22) Credentials required: Private Certifications, State Registrations for Mitigation School testing required: Yes, for schools built after 2003 Though there have been no new regulations or policies directed toward combating in Connecticut between 2023 and 2024, the American Lung Association continues its participation in National Radon Action Month. Read more on their website to learn about radon in Connecticut. Delaware Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 45% (#34) Credentials required: No School testing required: No For Radon Action Month, Delaware Public Media reports on the importance of testing and mitigation in the state. Correctly, they point out that dangerous levels of radon have been recorded in every state. At this time, while homebuyers are required to be notified on the status of radon in their new homes, the same protections aren’t in place for renters. Learn more about radon in Delaware at Delaware Public Media. Florida Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 54% (T - #27) Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications School testing required: Yes, in designated counties This year, Florida participated in the National Radon Poster Contest as part of their Radon Outreach. For more information on participation in the future and to view winning posters from 2024, visit Florida Health’s website. Georgia Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 56% (#25) Credentials required: No School testing required: No While homes in northern Georgia have been found to have dangerous levels of radon more often than in other areas, radon continues to be a serious concern throughout the state. While there were no new regulations or policies employed during 2023 and 2024, the state governor signed a formal proclamation designating January as Radon Action Month in Georgia. Hawaii Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: N/A (no tests recorded) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Radiation and radon overall are thought to be more minor concerns in Hawaii due to both a lack of man-made sources, and unique geological features that lead to lower radon levels. With that said, experts are right to point out that dangerous levels of radon appear in every state. To learn about radon in Hawaii, read more from insiders a the Hawaii Star. Idaho Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 68% (T - #10) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Despite a high percentage of homes in Idaho testing with dangerous levels of radon, Idaho continues to be broadly unregulated. Homeowners looking for radon testing professionals should ask whether they have certifications through NRPP or NRSB to ensure an accurate reading. Learn more about radon in Idaho and about the 2024 Northwest Radon Poster Contest by visiting the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare website. Illinois Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 68% (T - #10) Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses School testing required: School testing is recommended Radon is a major concern for homeowners in Illinois. As part of the Illinois Tenant Radon Protection Act which is designed to ensure renters are informed about radon levels in their buildings, new changes in 2024 mean that renters will receive more documentation and notifications about radon at the time of application, before signing their leases, and by request. Read more about this new legislation from experts at Kovitz, Shifrin, and Nesbit. Indiana Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 67% (T - #12) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Registration School testing required: School testing is recommended Since radon is such a problem in Indiana, an ongoing battle to require school testing within the state continued in 2023 with a bill authored by Rep. Mike Andrade. While the bill was not passed in early 2023, the continuing conversation may result in new legislation in 2024. Learn more about radon testing in Indiana with WRTV’s Kara Kenney. Iowa Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 78% (#3) Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications School testing required: Yes As one of the states with the highest levels of radon in the US, Iowa requires state certifications from radon testing and mitigation professionals. While there was no new legislature passed to address radon defense in 2023, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services cite that every county in Iowa is considered high risk for radon. Learn more about radon in Iowa by checking out Iowa’s Public Health website. Kansas Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 61% (T - #17) Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications School testing required :No As of October 27, 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated their state standards to follow AARST standards. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists is one of the two main national regulatory bodies for radon in the US, and professionals that follow their standards should lead to more exact and reliable Radon testing throughout Kansas. For more on radon in Kansas, visit the Kansas Public Health website. Kentucky Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 67% (T - #12) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Registration School testing required: No While no new legislation was put in place to combat radon in Kentucky in 2023, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services promotes Radon Action Month, a Radon Awareness poster contest, and a video contest. The Kentucky Association of Radon Professionals (KARP) is an additional group active within the state leading the fight against radon through spreading awareness, and promoting professionalism in the testing and mitigation industry. For more information on radon in Kentucky, visit the Team Kentucky official public health website. Louisiana Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 7% (#48, Lowest percentage in the US) Credentials required: No School testing required: No The state with the lowest percentage of homes found with dangerous levels of radon, Louisiana remains mostly unregulated when it comes to testing and mitigation. With no new radon legislation in 2023, it is important to remember that every home is unique, and the EPA advises that there is no known safe level of radon. For more information on radon in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality website. Maine Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 59% (T - #19) Credentials required: Yes, State Registration School testing required: School testing is recommended With most Maine counties registering in Zone 3 (the average home has over 4.0 pCi/L of radon), Maine is one of the more regulated states in the US. There was no new radon-related legislation registered in 2023. For more information on the state of radon in Maine, visit their official public health website at the Maine Division of Environmental and Community Health. Maryland Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 43% (#37) Credentials required: No School testing required: No In 2023, Maryland took a major step forward in combating dangerous radon levels by requiring testing in both multifamily and single-family rentals. While this is a big step forward, homeowners should remember that testing professionals aren’t required to be certified to perform radon testing or mitigation. Remember to ask if your radon professional is certified by NRPP or NRSB before scheduling your radon test. Read more on radon in Maryland at Maryland’s Department of Environmental Protection. Massachusetts Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 51% (#29) Credentials required: No School testing required: No There’s been no new legislation regarding radon in 2023 in Massachusetts. With no school testing requirements and no credential requirements, homeowners should ensure they hire appropriately trained radon testing professionals for the most accurate results. Visit the Massachusetts official public health websitefor more info on radon in the state. Michigan Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 54% (T - #27) Credentials required: No School testing required: No While there has been no new legislation related to radon in Michigan in 2023, officials continue to spread awareness on the dangers of radon for homeowners. Per a statement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, January is Radon Action Month in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recommend testing every two years, since building foundations can develop new cracks as homes settle. Homeowners can purchase test kits themselves through the Michigan public health website, but to avoid user error and to take advantage of more reliable testing equipment, they should contact a radon testing professional. For more information on radon in Michigan, visit Michigan’s official public health website. Minnesota Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 72% (T - #7) Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses School testing required: No Minnesota sees some of the highest levels of radon in the country. Appropriately, professionals follow state licensing requirements, which ensures more standardized, effective testing and mitigation for homeowners. Although no new legislation regarding radon defense was passed in 2023, radon continues to be a concern on the radar of Minnesota lawmakers. For more information on radon in Minnesota, visit Minnesota’s Department of Health website. Mississippi Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: N/A (no tests recorded) Credentials required: No School testing required: No With no credential requirements and limited testing as recorded by AARST’s radon report cards, Mississippi homeowners should take their home’s health into their own hands. Remember, the CDC advises that there is no safe level of radon, and hiring a radon testing professional with NRPP or AARST certifications is the best way to know how to act. For more information on radon in Mississippi, visit the official Mississippi State Department of Health website. Missouri Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 61% (T - #17) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Missouri is another state with high radon levels, but limited legislation governing radon professionals or protecting homebuyers. With that said, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services does offer a comprehensive county by county breakdown of average radon levels. While these should not be used to determine the state of radon in an individual home, this information may be beneficial in determining the urgency of radon testing and mitigation. Montana Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 71% (#9) Credentials required: No School testing required: No With some of the highest concentrations of radon gas in the country, Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality offers resources for residents to easily locate home test kits, and contact mitigation providers. Since Montana does not require specific credentials from radon professionals, be sure to ask if your contractor or inspector is certified. For more information about radon in Montana, visit their official public health website. Nebraska Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 81% (#2) Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses School testing required: No With some of the most cases of dangerous radon in the US, Nebraska is only edged by one state when it comes to the percentage of homes with moderate to high radon levels. Nebraska’s Cancer Plan is designed to spread awareness, promote radon resistant construction techniques, and educate local health professionals on testing for radon (among other goals). Homeowners in Nebraska should take advantage of their resources in order to reduce the effects of radon for their families. For more info on radon in Nebraska, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website. Nevada Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 48% (#31) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Legislation related to radon is limited in Nevada, and testing and mitigation professionals are not required to be licensed. Dangerous levels of radon are detected in every state. For homeowners looking to stay updated on radon in Nevada, visit Nevada’s official public health website. New Hampshire Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 59% (T - #19) Credentials required: Private Certifications required for Mitigation School testing required: No Known as “The Granite State,” radon is a particular concern in New Hampshire due to the high amount of granite found in its environment, which is known to release the colorless, odorless gas into water and into the air. For more information on radon in New Hampshire, visit the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services website. New Jersey Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 30% (#44) Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications School testing required: No Thanks to regulations adopted in 2022, New Jersey requires certifications for radon testing and mitigation, ensuring standardized, higher quality information and protection for its residents. To stay up to date on the state of radon in New Jersey, visit New Jersey’s public health website. New Mexico Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 58% (T - #22) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Due to underlying minerals throughout New Mexico, a high amount of radon gas is present in many residential properties. There are many public awareness efforts and motions to provide access to test kits and quality testing professionals, but the state remains largely unregulated. To learn more about radon in New Mexico, visit New Mexico’s Environmental Public Health Tracking website. New York Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 47% (#32) Credentials required: No School testing required: School testing is recommended In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed January as “Radon Awareness Month” in the state of New York. Rightly, their public health website points out the importance of testing and the many routes that radon can enter the home, including cracks in the foundation, loose-fitting pipes, and through drinking water. Learn more about radon in New York at their Department of Health website. North Carolina Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 45% (T - #34) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed January National Radon Action month in 2024. Since testers and mitigators still aren’t required to be credentialed in North Carolina, homeowners should seek out NRPP and AARST certified Radon professionals. For more on radon in NC, visit their Department of Health and Human Services website. North Dakota Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 82% (#1, Highest percentage in the US) Credentials required: No School testing required: No As the top state in the US for homes with the most dangerous levels of radon, North Dakotans recognize the importance of testing and mitigation systems when it comes to ensuring a healthy home. Per the Bismarck Tribune, the US Environmental Protection Agency is aloting $1 million dollars to the ND Department of Environmental Quality to better combat these issues. To learn more about how to combat radon in North Dakota, visit their official public health website. Ohio Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 77% (#4) Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses School testing required: No Ohio is one of the states with the most cause for concern regarding radon. In December 2023, the Ohio legislature further revised their safety codes surrounding radon testing and mitigation certifications to ensure professionals follow an appropriate standard throughout the state. For more information on radon in Ohio, visit their public health website. Oklahoma Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 32% (#43) Credentials required: No School testing required: No There was no new legislation passed in Oklahoma through 2023. To keep up to date on radon in OK, visit the Oklahoma Environmental Quality website. Oregon Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 49% (#30) Credentials required: No School testing required: Yes For residents, the Oregon Health Authority offers free short-term radon test kits to those that qualify for the Oregon Radon Awareness Program. While DIY tests can provide some insights, homeowners should look for certified professionals for an accurate reading of radon in their home. For more information on radon in Oregon, visit their public health website. Pennsylvania Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 59% (T - #19) Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications School testing required: No Pennsylvania passed no new legislation for radon in 2023. To keep up to date on radon in PA, follow their Department of Environmental Protection for more information. Rhode Island Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 14% (#47) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Licenses/Certifications School testing required: Yes Although Rhode Island is one of the states with the lowest average incidences of high radon levels in households, their legislature recognizes the present threat of radon for their residents. In 2023, Rhode Island’s Radon Control Program was implemented to help ensure the state's standards for testing and mitigation. To learn more about radon in Rhode Island, visit their Department of Health website. South Carolina Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 42% (#38) Credentials required: No School testing required: No At this time, radon testing and mitigation professionals are not required to be credentialed in the state of South Carolina in order to perform services. To request a free test kit and learn more about radon in South Carolina, visit the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control website. South Dakota Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 76% (#5) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Despite a high percentage of homes in South Dakota lying within Zones 2 and 1 for high levels of radon, testing and mitigation is unregulated. Order your home’s radon testing with a nationally certified professional for actionable results. Learn more about radon in South Dakota at their Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources website. Tennessee Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 57% (#24) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Tennessee saw no new radon defense legislation in 2023. Learn more about radon in TN at the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation website. Texas Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 20% (#46) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Although Texas does not require radon professionals to be credentialed, Texas Tech (the body that oversees Texas’ radon program) recommends professionals become nationally certified. To follow news related to radon in Texas, visit Texas Tech University’s website. Utah Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 67% (T - #12) Credentials required: Private Certifications with State Licenses for Mitigation School testing required: No Utah saw no new radon legislation in 2023. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Waste Management & Radiation Control does oversee the Radon Program, which guides residents through testing, and appropriate follow-up actions. Vermont Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 37% (#39) Credentials required: No School testing required: Yes While there was no new radon legislation in Vermont in 2023, state officials urge residents to get their homes tested for radon, pointing out in particular how dangerous radon gas exposure can be for smokers. Read more about radon in Vermont on their Department of Health website. Virginia Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 55% (#26) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications School testing required: Yes Between October 1 and April 30, Virginia’s radon defense program offers discounted testing kits to residents, though they recommend hiring a trained professional for the best results. Read more on radon in Virginia and support options on the Virginia Department of Health website. Washington Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 36% (T - #41) Credentials required: No School testing required: No Recognizing the dangers of radon, Washington joins neighboring states in promoting the 2024 Pacific Northwest Radon Poster Contest to spread awareness. The contest is open to students between the ages 9 and 14 in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Washington State Department of Health reports more on radon within the state on their official website. West Virginia Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 63% (#16) Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Licenses School testing required: Yes In 2023, the West Virginia state Hazard Mitigation Plan expanded to include threats related to radon which projects potential growths of dangers to its residents. To learn more about radon in West Virginia, visit their official public health website here. Wisconsin Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 72% (T - #7) Credentials required: No School testing required: No In March of 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families began to require licensed child care providers to test for radon. While radon is a concern throughout the US, Wisconsin is one of the states with the highest rate of dangerous radon levels within homes. For more information on radon in Wisconsin, visit their official public health website. Wyoming Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 74% (#6) Credentials required: No School testing required: No There was no new legislation related to radon passed in Wyoming in 2023. To follow the latest information about radon within the state, visit the Wyoming Department of Health’s website. If you are unaware of the state of radon in your home, contact your local NPI inspector today! When hiring your radon testing professional, ask them if they use a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM), and resolve to make your home safer and your family healthier in 2024. Comments are closed.