Hartford, CT / Providence, RI – As winter temperatures remain locked across southern New England, health officials in Connecticut and Rhode Island are warning residents about a serious indoor health threat that often goes unnoticed. January marks National Radon Action Month, spotlighting radon gas—frequently 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, crawl spaces, basements, and utility openings. Both Connecticut and Rhode Island are considered moderate to elevated radon risk states, with higher levels detected in homes across Hartford County, Providence County, and surrounding areas.
Health experts say winter creates the perfect environment for radon buildup. In cities like Hartford and Providence, homes and apartment buildings 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, linked to an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face the highest risk, but non-smokers are also vulnerable.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon exposure causes no immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn that damage occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to know if levels are dangerous.
State health agencies in both Connecticut and Rhode Island recommend that residents test their homes, particularly during winter when radon concentrations tend to be highest. Test kits are relatively inexpensive, and mitigation systems can significantly reduce radon levels when elevated readings are found.
As National Radon Action Month continues, officials urge residents across both states to test now—before long-term exposure leads to serious health consequences.
