Radon gas is a colorless, odorless gas and it's the second leading cause of lung cancer. The EPA lists Pittsylvania County as a "Zone One" area, that's an area with the highest potential for having unacceptable "radon levels" inside homes.

Supervisors are meeting Monday night about requiring "radon removal equipment" in new homes and that's because the state is recommending it. The move will make price tags for new homes a bit higher, but county officials say it's worth every penny.

With one of the largest uranium deposits in the United States right in Pittsylvania County, realtor Susan Stillwell says it makes sense to require radon removal in new homes. That's because radon is a product of uranium and Stillwell thinks everyone should test before they buy.

Susan Stillwell, Real Estate Specialist - "If I'm working with buyers that are looking anywhere in the county I would require them to have a radon test."

If they refuse, she'd put in writing that she made the recommendation and that the buyers declined to test for it.

Stillwell - "It can be traced back to me - especially if I'm working as a buyer's agent - I'm a professional, been in the business 30 years - I know about radon testing, I should recommend that to my buyer to protect them and myself because I'm ultimately liable for such things if they happen."

But making the state's recommendation a requirement will cost some cash. Anywhere from $500 to $5,000. But officials say safety first.

Dan Sleeper, County Administrator - "You have to test for termites before you can sell a house but a termite never killed anybody, but you don't have to test for radon."

The change would only affect new homes. Builders would have to install plastic barriers and vent pipes to remove the cancer causing gas. If you have an older home, it's recommended you test for radon, and you can go to your local hardware store and buy a do it yourself kit -- it'll cost you about $10.

Sleeper - "As long as the radioactive materials uranium is trapped inside the rock, its not as likely to release radon. But once you've disturbed that earth you don't know what you've uncovered, it's truly Pandora’s Box."