What is Radon?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer and other serious health effects. Average Radon levels in some Williamsburg area homes have been found to exceed EPA safe limits of 4 picocuries per liter of air (4 pCi/l). Alpha Energy Laboratories makes radon test kits and compiles results from radon testing by zip codes. From 2001 through 2020, 15% of homes tested in 23185 are above 4pCi/l and 39% in zip code 23188 are above 4 pCi/l.
Research done by the William & Mary Department of Geology suggests a local source for radon lies within the sediments of the Yorktown Formation, which is prevalent in Williamsburg. Geologic maps show where the Yorktown Formation sediments may be found.
Click on the picture to the right for more information on radon and an interactive map that will show if you are in an area that could have higher radon risks.