01/13/2026
The West Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) is continuing to encourage residents to test their homes for radon during National Radon Action Month.
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless naturally occurring gas that claims the lives of roughly 21,000 Americans each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The only way to ensure a home is presenting safe levels of radon is to test.
“Securing your home from radon is crucial for your overall health,” says Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “We encourage everyone to utilize this free service. Visit our website, order the test kit, and give yourself some peace of mind. Doing so could very easily save your life.”
Since the start of National Radon Action Month, OEHS has seen a noticeable increase in residents desiring to protect their homes.
“We got about a month’s worth of requests in just the first week,” shares OEHS director Jason Frame. “We, of course, want people to test year-round, but we are glad that residents are taking the time during action month to prioritize their wellbeing. It’s a free test and a simple process, but it can mean the difference between life and death.”
Naturally released from rocks, soil, and water, radon can get trapped inside homes and buildings and eventually begin to build up in the air. Breathing in high levels of radon over time can cause lung cancer, regardless of a history of smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that most people who are suffering from radon exposure don’t display symptoms until the lung cancer is advanced, making it harder to treat.
“Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the first cause of lung cancer among non-smokers,” explains Acting State Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel. “While lung cancer can be treated, it has one of the lowest survival rates, making prevention absolutely vital. Take the necessary steps now to protect yourself and your health in the future.”
The OEHS radon program monitors levels across the state, reporting results on the Public Radon Dashboard (https://oehsportal.wvdhhr.org/wvradon/). Residents are urged to request a free radon testing kit by emailing radon@wv.gov or by calling 304-352-5039.
According to the CDC, owners should test their home for radon if:
- It has never been tested, or radon levels are unknown
- When preparing to buy or sell
- Before and after any renovations, especially after making any repairs to reduce radon levels; or
- Before making any lifestyle changes in the home that would cause someone to spend more time in the basement or lower level, such as converting a basement into a bedroom or home office
