Charleston, WV – As winter weather continues across West Virginia and homes remain sealed to keep out the cold, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Charleston and surrounding communities—about a dangerous indoor health threat that often goes unnoticed. January marks National Radon Action Month, drawing attention to radon gas, often 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 enter homes through foundation cracks, basements, crawl spaces, and utility openings. West Virginia is considered a high radon risk state, with elevated levels frequently detected in homes across Kanawha County, southern West Virginia, and the Appalachian region.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Charleston and throughout West Virginia, homes are tightly 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 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 that damage occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State health officials recommend that all West Virginia 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 elevated readings are found.
As National Radon Action Month continues, officials urge West Virginians to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
