Radon zones in Rhode Island

Last updated

EPA’s Map of Radon Zones places 5 Rhode Island counties in its three radon potential zones: 2 in Zone 1 (highest), 2 in Zone 2 (moderate), and 1 in Zone 3 (low).

2Zone 1 · Highest potential
2Zone 2 · Moderate potential
1Zone 3 · Low potential

What this means for Rhode Island homes

Most Rhode Island counties fall in Zone 1. EPA predicts average indoor screening levels above 4 pCi/L across much of Rhode Island, so elevated radon is common. Testing is especially worthwhile here, and radon-resistant construction features make sense for new homes.

EPA’s guidance is the same everywhere: test your home, fix it if the level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The zone map is from 1993 and should not be used to decide whether a single home needs testing.

Rhode Island radon program

EPA lists the following state contact for Rhode Island: the state radon program, phone 401-222-7756. Website: health.ri.gov/radon. State programs can tell you about local testing data, free or discounted test kits, disclosure rules for home sales, and credentialed radon professionals.

Rhode Island counties and their EPA radon zones

CountyEPA radon zone
Bristol CountyZone 3
Kent CountyZone 1
Newport CountyZone 2
Providence CountyZone 2
Washington CountyZone 1

County names follow the 2020 Census. Zones from the EPA Map of Radon Zones (text version). Rows marked “zone of” use the zone EPA gave the predecessor or surrounding county.

Next steps: read how to test your home, check a result with the level calculator, or look up a single address by ZIP code.

Sources

  1. U.S. EPA, EPA Map of Radon Zones (text version)
  2. U.S. EPA, EPA Map of Radon Zones and Supplemental Information (state radon contacts)
  3. U.S. EPA, EPA Maps of Radon Zones and Supporting Documents by State