Orlando, FL – As Floridians prepare for Thanksgiving celebrations, state health officials are warning of an invisible and deadly threat that could be hiding inside homes this holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) say radon, a radioactive gas found in soil and rock, poses a serious year-round health risk — even in the Sunshine State.
Radon is formed when uranium in the ground naturally breaks down, releasing gas that seeps upward through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. Because it has no color, taste, or smell, radon often goes undetected until families test their homes. Though Florida’s warm weather means windows are open much of the year, officials warn that air conditioning and sealed homes during hurricane or holiday season can trap the gas indoors.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure causes more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually, making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The EPA recommends mitigation if radon levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) — though experts note that no level is completely safe.
The Florida Radon Program offers low-cost or free testing kits, and residents can also find short-term kits at hardware stores or online for under $30. Testing takes only a few days and is the only way to detect radon. If levels are high, certified mitigation specialists can install venting systems that reduce concentrations by up to 90%.
“Radon doesn’t care about geography,” said CDC officials. “Even in Florida, it’s a silent killer that too many people overlook.”
As families in Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville gather for Thanksgiving dinner, health officials urge residents to take a few minutes this weekend to test their homes — before this invisible threat lingers into the winter months.
