Bath County
Bath County is classified by the EPA’s 1993 Map of Radon Zones as Zone 1, the highest risk category. The predicted average indoor radon screening level for this area exceeds 4 pCi/L — the EPA's recommended action level. This classification is based on geology, soil characteristics, indoor radon measurements, and building construction factors. The EPA strongly recommends that all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon.
Measured in Virginia Homes
The Virginia Department of Health lists Bath County as insufficient data: it has 17 home radon test results from 2016–2024, too few for VDH to report an average. The highest single result was 17.6 pCi/L.
The EPA zone above comes from a 1993 map built mostly from geology and the limited test data available then. VDH’s figures are actual test results reported by radon test kit vendors. VDH cautions that its averages should not be used to predict radon in any single home — the only way to know your home’s level is to test it.
Source: Virginia Department of Health, Office of Radiological Health, Radon Program — Virginia Radon Test Results map · data.
Bath County is one of 64 counties in Virginia classified as Zone 1, the EPA's highest radon risk category. That means 47% of the state's 136 counties share this classification. Homes in Bath County have predicted average indoor radon screening levels above 4 pCi/L, the EPA's recommended action level for mitigation. If you're living in, buying, or building a home in Bath County, radon testing should be a priority.
Test for radon in Bath County
EPA Zone 1 means predicted indoor levels above 4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends every Zone 1 home test — and mitigate if results confirm elevated levels.
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What This Means for Bath County
Should You Test?
Yes. The EPA strongly recommends testing in Zone 1 areas. Homes here have the highest probability of exceeding the 4 pCi/L action level. Start with a short-term test kit ($15–$30 at hardware stores or online). If results are above 4 pCi/L, follow up with a second test or hire a certified professional.
Real Estate
If you're buying a home in this area, request a radon test as part of the inspection process. Many states require or encourage radon disclosure during real estate transactions. In Zone 1 areas, professional radon testing with a continuous monitor is common practice. If levels are above 4 pCi/L, you can negotiate mitigation as a condition of sale. A mitigation system typically costs $800–$2,500.
New Construction
The EPA recommends that new homes in Zone 1 be built with radon-resistant features (RRNC). These include a gas-permeable layer beneath the slab, plastic sheeting, sealed foundation cracks, a vent pipe from the gravel layer to the roof, and an electrical junction box for a future fan. Adding these during construction costs $350–$500 and is far cheaper than retrofitting later.