Manchester, NH – As winter weather continues across New Hampshire and homes remain tightly sealed against the cold, health officials are urging residents—especially in Manchester and surrounding communities—to be aware of a dangerous indoor threat that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. January is National Radon Action Month, spotlighting 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 sump pump openings. Much of New Hampshire is considered a high radon risk area, with elevated levels detected in homes across Hillsborough County and throughout the state.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Manchester and across New Hampshire, homes 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, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face an even higher risk, but non-smokers are also vulnerable.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn that damage often occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect the threat.
State and federal health officials recommend that all New Hampshire residents test their homes—especially during winter when radon levels tend to peak. 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 say testing now could help protect families from a preventable but potentially deadly health risk.
