Boston, MA – As winter cold grips Massachusetts and homes remain tightly sealed to retain heat, health officials are urging residents—especially those in Boston and surrounding communities—to be aware of a serious indoor health threat that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. January marks National Radon Action Month, drawing attention to radon gas, often described 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, basements, crawl spaces, and utility openings. Much of Massachusetts is considered to have moderate to elevated radon risk, with higher levels detected in parts of Greater Boston, Worcester County, and western Massachusetts.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Boston and across Massachusetts, homes and apartment buildings are sealed to conserve heat, allowing radon to accumulate indoors for extended periods. Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, linked to an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face the greatest risk, but radon exposure is also dangerous for non-smokers.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn the damage occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated levels.
State health officials recommend all Massachusetts residents test their homes, particularly during winter when radon concentrations tend to be highest. Test kits are affordable and widely available, and mitigation systems can significantly reduce radon levels when installed by certified professionals.
As National Radon Action Month continues, officials say testing now could help protect families from a serious but preventable health threat.
