If you live in or around Martinsburg, you already know our region has plenty of charm — historic homes, mountain views, and growing neighborhoods filled with opportunity. But beneath many of those homes lies an invisible danger that most people don’t think about until they see the test results: radon gas.
According to the American Lung Association, 28.5% of West Virginia homes test above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). That means nearly one in three homes across our state — and especially in the Eastern Panhandle — contain radon concentrations that can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Radon is colorless, odorless, and silent. Yet it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for about 21,000 deaths each year according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The only way to know if your home is affected is to test.
This article explains why Martinsburg has some of the highest radon levels in the Mid-Atlantic, how the gas enters your home, what the health risks are, and how you can protect your family with proper testing and mitigation.
What Exactly Is Radon and Why Does It Matter in Martinsburg?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. As it moves upward through the earth, it can seep into buildings through cracks, gaps, and unsealed openings.
In open air, radon disperses quickly and poses little threat. But in enclosed areas — basements, crawl spaces, or slab foundations — it can accumulate to dangerous levels.
Martinsburg and the surrounding Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties sit within EPA Radon Zone 1, the highest-risk classification in the country (EPA Radon Zones Map). This is largely due to our region’s limestone and shale geology, which naturally emits more uranium-derived gases than most other parts of the state.
Combine that with tight home construction, clay-heavy soils, and older basements, and you have a region predisposed to higher radon concentrations — even in newly built homes.
How Common Is Radon in Martinsburg Homes?
Nearly 29% of homes in West Virginia exceed the EPA’s safe limit, but in Berkeley County, the percentage is often higher. Local inspectors consistently find readings between 4 and 10 pCi/L, with some older basements exceeding 20 pCi/L — five times the federal action level.
This isn’t limited to historic homes. Elevated readings are reported in new subdivisions and renovated properties as well, because radon originates from the soil itself, not from the house materials. Even energy-efficient homes can trap radon if ventilation isn’t properly managed.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Radon enters through the smallest openings — even ones invisible to the naked eye. Common entry points include:
- Cracks in basement slabs and foundations
- Open sump pits or floor drains
- Gaps around plumbing or wiring penetrations
- Unsealed crawl spaces or concrete block walls
- Construction joints and settling cracks
Because Martinsburg’s soil is dense and clay-rich, it traps moisture and increases pressure beneath foundations. That pressure can push radon gas upward into basements and living areas. Older homes with unfinished basements or no vapor barrier are especially vulnerable, but even tight, well-insulated new homes can trap radon inside.
What Are the Health Risks of Long-Term Radon Exposure?
Radon isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a proven carcinogen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term radon exposure damages lung tissue and significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
To put it in perspective:
- Living with 4 pCi/L of radon exposure carries a similar lung cancer risk as smoking eight cigarettes a day.
- At 10 pCi/L, the risk roughly doubles.
Because radon has no smell, color, or symptoms, most people don’t realize their exposure until years later. The only reliable solution is testing — especially if you live in the Eastern Panhandle or spend time in a basement-level space.
How Do You Test for Radon in Martinsburg, WV?
Testing is straightforward, inexpensive, and can be done any time of year.
Types of Radon Tests
- Short-Term Tests (2–7 days): Ideal for quick screening or real estate transactions.
- Long-Term Tests (90+ days): Provide a more accurate year-round average.
Homeowners can use EPA-approved test kits available at most hardware stores, or they can hire a certified radon professional for higher precision. In West Virginia, radon testing professionals must be certified through either the AARST-NRPP or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Professional testing generally costs $100–$200, while DIY kits range from $30–$50. If results come back above 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends immediate mitigation.
How Much Does Radon Mitigation Cost in Martinsburg?
Radon mitigation systems in the Eastern Panhandle typically range between $900 and $1,800, depending on your foundation type and home size.
Most systems use sub-slab depressurization, where a fan continuously draws gas from beneath your home and vents it safely above the roofline.
For homes with crawl spaces, a sealed vapor barrier may be added to prevent gas buildup.
Once installed, a mitigation system can reduce radon levels by 80–99%, often bringing readings down below 2.0 pCi/L. The EPA’s Guide to Radon Reduction confirms that these systems are reliable, energy-efficient, and typically require only basic fan maintenance every few years.
What Should Home Buyers and Sellers in Martinsburg Do About Radon?
If you’re buying a home, always include radon testing as part of your standard home inspection. A certified inspector can place monitors during the inspection and deliver results within 48 hours.
If you’re selling, consider testing before listing. Having recent, low radon readings — or proof of a mitigation system — can make your home more appealing to buyers and prevent last-minute contract negotiations.
Here’s a practical approach:
- Test your home using a certified method.
- If levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, schedule mitigation immediately.
- Retest within 30 days of system installation to confirm results.
- Maintain the fan system annually and check that vent pipes remain unobstructed.
If your results are under 4.0 pCi/L, retest every two years or after any major renovations or HVAC upgrades, since these can change how air flows through your home.
How Can You Protect Your Family from Radon Right Now?
You don’t need to wait for a problem to start taking action. Here’s what you can do today:
- Schedule a professional test with a certified home inspector if you’re buying or selling.
- Install a mitigation system if levels are high — it’s usually a one-day job.
- Retest every two years to ensure your home remains safe.
Testing once can save your family years of risk. Radon is silent, but prevention is simple.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Family Starts Below Ground
Here’s the truth: radon isn’t rare, and it isn’t just a “country home” issue. It’s in neighborhoods all across Martinsburg, from new construction to century-old farmhouses.
The good news? It’s one of the easiest problems to detect and fix. A simple test could prevent lifelong health consequences.
At Ellingwood Pro, we’ve seen firsthand how proactive homeowners turn a potential hazard into peace of mind. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying put, schedule a radon test today — because the air you breathe should be as safe as the home you love.
