Little Rock, AR – As Thanksgiving gatherings bring families together across Arkansas, health officials are warning of a deadly invisible danger that could be lurking beneath homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) are urging residents to test for radon, a radioactive gas that becomes especially hazardous during colder months when homes are closed up tight.
Radon forms as uranium in soil and rock breaks down, releasing gas that rises through cracks, crawl spaces, sump pumps, and foundation joints. Once trapped indoors, it can build up to dangerous levels — and because it’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, most homeowners have no idea it’s there.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, making it the second-leading cause of the disease nationwide. Arkansas geology makes the state prone to radon accumulation, especially in northern and central regions, including Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Mountain Home.
Testing is the only way to detect radon. Short-term radon kits, available online, at hardware stores, or through the Arkansas Department of Health’s Radon Program, can measure levels in just a few days for under $30. The EPA recommends mitigation if readings reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher — though no level is completely safe.
If results are high, licensed mitigation contractors can install ventilation systems that remove radon from beneath the home, reducing concentrations by up to 90%. Sealing cracks and improving airflow can provide additional, temporary relief.
“Radon is a silent killer — invisible, odorless, but completely preventable,” CDC officials said. “Testing your home this Thanksgiving could save a life.”
As Arkansans across Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Hot Springs gather for the holiday, health experts say this is the perfect time to add radon testing to your winter home safety checklist — before this invisible danger lingers through the season.
