New Study Examines Radon Levels in York County and Health Implications for Residents

A new analysis of indoor air quality data has placed renewed attention on radon levels in York County, where testing shows a significant proportion of homes exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended action threshold. The findings, drawn from both public health records and private testing programs, underscore a persistent environmental health concern that affects homeowners, renters, and prospective buyers across the region.

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. When it seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, or other openings, it can accumulate to dangerous concentrations. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels in York County is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the Surgeon General, and is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year nationwide.

Testing Data Shows Persistent Problem

The latest compilation of test results from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and local health agencies indicates that roughly 40 percent of homes tested in York County have radon levels at or above the EPA's action guideline of 4 picocuries per liter of air. This figure aligns with statewide averages for Pennsylvania, which has some of the highest radon potential in the country due to its geology. The data, collected over the past five years, shows that radon levels in York County vary widely by township and even by neighborhood, reflecting differences in soil composition and home construction.

In some municipalities, such as Hanover and Springettsbury Township, the percentage of homes exceeding the action level rises above 50 percent. Older homes, particularly those with basements or slab-on-grade foundations, tend to show higher concentrations. However, newer homes are not immune: modern energy-efficient construction can trap radon indoors if proper mitigation measures are not installed during building.

Health Risks and Mitigation Guidance

The health risk from radon is cumulative and depends on both the concentration level and the duration of exposure. The EPA estimates that living in a home with radon levels of 4 pCi/L carries a lung cancer risk equivalent to smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day. For nonsmokers, the risk is lower but still significant. Children may be more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe at a faster rate than adults.

Testing is the only way to know whether a home has elevated radon levels in York County. Short-term test kits, available at hardware stores and through county health departments, can provide a preliminary reading within two to seven days. Long-term tests, which measure average levels over three months to one year, are more accurate for determining annual exposure. The EPA recommends that homeowners test their homes every two years, and always after any major renovation that affects the foundation or ventilation system.

If test results show radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L, the EPA advises taking steps to reduce them. The most common mitigation method is sub-slab depressurization, which involves installing a vent pipe and fan system that draws radon from beneath the foundation and exhausts it safely above the roofline. Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation is also important but is not sufficient alone to lower high radon levels. Certified radon mitigation professionals can design and install systems that typically reduce indoor radon concentrations by 90 percent or more.

Real Estate and New Home Construction

Radon levels in York County have become an increasingly important factor in real estate transactions. Home buyers in the region routinely request radon testing as part of the home inspection process, and some lenders require it for mortgage approval. Sellers are not legally required to disclose radon test results in Pennsylvania, but failure to disclose known high levels can expose them to liability for misrepresentation. Many real estate agents now recommend that sellers conduct a pre-listing radon test and, if necessary, install a mitigation system before putting the home on the market.

For new home construction, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the International Residential Code both recommend installing passive radon-resistant features in areas with high radon potential. These include a layer of gravel beneath the foundation, a vapor barrier, a vent pipe running from the gravel to the roofline, and sealing of all foundation openings. Retrofitting an existing home with a passive system is more difficult and expensive than installing it during initial construction, but active mitigation systems can still be added later.

Public Awareness and Free Testing Programs

Local health departments and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection operate several programs to help residents test for radon. Free or low-cost test kits are available through the York County Radon Program, which distributes kits at community events, county buildings, and partner hardware stores. The program also offers educational materials in English and Spanish, and its staff can answer questions about interpreting test results and selecting a mitigation contractor.

National Radon Action Month, observed each January, brings additional attention to the issue, but health officials stress that testing and mitigation should occur year-round. The highest radon concentrations typically occur during the heating season, when homes are closed up and the stack effect pulls soil gases indoors. Winter is therefore an ideal time to test, but any season is acceptable for obtaining a meaningful result.

Despite the availability of testing resources, many residents remain unaware of the risk or believe that radon is not a problem in their particular area. A survey conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health found that fewer than 30 percent of homeowners in high-radon counties had ever tested their homes. The new data on radon levels in York County is intended to close that awareness gap and encourage more residents to take action.

Next Steps for Residents

For anyone living in York County, the first step is to obtain a test kit and follow the instructions carefully. The kit should be placed in the lowest livable level of the home, away from drafts, heat sources, and exterior walls. After the recommended exposure period, the kit is mailed to a laboratory for analysis. Results typically arrive within two weeks.

If the test shows radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L, the next step is to contact a certified radon mitigation professional. The National Radon Proficiency Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection both maintain lists of certified contractors who have passed exams and adhere to industry standards. Homeowners should obtain multiple quotes, ask for references, and verify that the contractor carries liability insurance.

Local health officials urge residents not to delay. Radon is a serious but solvable problem. Testing is inexpensive and straightforward, and mitigation systems are a proven, cost-effective way to reduce risk. With the right information and action, every home in York County can be made safer from this invisible threat.