Phoenix, AZ – As cooler winter temperatures settle across Arizona and homes remain closed up more often overnight, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Phoenix and surrounding Valley communities—about a dangerous indoor health threat that often goes unnoticed. January marks National Radon Action Month, drawing attention to radon gas, commonly referred to as the “invisible killer” inside the home.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from soil and rock. It can seep into homes through foundation cracks, slab joints, crawl spaces, and utility openings. While Arizona is often viewed as a lower-risk state compared to colder regions, officials say elevated radon levels have been detected in homes across central and northern Arizona, including parts of the Phoenix metro area.
Health experts say winter conditions—even mild ones—can increase radon exposure. In Phoenix and across Arizona, homes may remain sealed overnight during cooler months, allowing radon to accumulate indoors. Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face the highest risk, but non-smokers are also vulnerable.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn the damage often occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State and federal health officials recommend that all Arizona residents test their homes, particularly during winter months. Test kits are affordable and widely available, and mitigation systems can significantly reduce radon levels when elevated readings are found.
As National Radon Action Month continues, officials urge Arizonans to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
