Is Radon a Problem in West Virginia? What 4-State Homebuyers Need to Know

Published: June 28, 2026

West Virginia is consistently ranked among the highest-radon states in the country. If you are buying a home in the Eastern Panhandle — Charles Town, Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, or anywhere in the 4-State region — radon testing is not optional. It is essential.

Wanderson Silva at Dash Home Inspection is NRPP-Licensed (License #110973 RT) and WV-Licensed (License #RT000873) for radon testing. He explains what buyers need to know.

What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It forms from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. As radon migrates upward through the ground, it can seep into homes through foundation cracks, construction joints, and gaps around service pipes — accumulating to dangerous levels in enclosed spaces.

Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths per year according to the EPA. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test.

Is West Virginia a High-Radon State?

Yes. West Virginia consistently ranks among the top states for elevated radon levels. The EPA places radon risk into three zones, with Zone 1 representing the highest risk. A significant portion of West Virginia — including the Eastern Panhandle counties where Dash Home Inspection operates — falls into Zone 1.

When buyers ask Wanderson whether they should test for radon in WV, the answer is always yes. Even homes with low levels should be tested, and homes with high levels can be mitigated — but only if you know the level.

Which Counties in WV Have the Highest Radon Risk?

Berkeley County and Jefferson County — the two most active counties in Dash Home Inspection’s service area — are both classified as EPA Zone 1: the highest radon risk category. Morgan County, which Wanderson also serves, is also an elevated-risk area.

Zone 1 classification means the EPA recommends all buyers test for radon before purchasing a home in these counties. The average radon level in Zone 1 counties can exceed the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L, at which point mitigation is recommended.

How Is Radon Testing Done?

Wanderson uses professional, calibrated radon testing equipment placed in the lowest livable area of the home — typically the basement or lowest floor. Testing runs for a minimum of 48 hours during a closed-house condition. Results are compared against the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.

If levels are at or above 4 pCi/L, a radon mitigation system is recommended. Mitigation systems are typically installed by a licensed contractor and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. They are not expensive and they are effective.

How Do I Add Radon Testing to My Home Inspection?

You can add radon testing to any standard home inspection with Dash Home Inspection. Simply select radon testing when you book online. There is no additional scheduling appointment — Wanderson sets up the test at the same time as your inspection.

Add radon testing when you book online — save 5% at dashhomeinspection.com/schedule-now/.

Wanderson Silva is NRPP-Licensed (License #110973 RT), WV Radon Licensed (#RT000873), and InterNACHI-Certified. He serves Berkeley County, Jefferson County, Morgan County, and the full 4-State region. Available 7 days a week — book online and your report is delivered within 24 hours.