Manchester, NH – As Thanksgiving gatherings fill New Hampshire homes this week, state health leaders are warning residents about a deadly invisible threat that could be circulating indoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is one of the most dangerous and overlooked health risks in the U.S. — and New Hampshire ranks among states with elevated radon potential.
Radon is formed when uranium in soil and bedrock breaks down, releasing gas that seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, drains, or gaps around pipes. It has no smell, color, or taste, and builds up silently — especially during winter months when homes are sealed for warmth.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure causes an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, second only to smoking. The EPA recommends fixing any home with radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and taking steps to reduce levels even between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
Testing is the only way to detect radon. Short-term kits, available online or at local hardware stores, provide results within days and cost less than a family meal out. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) also offers resources and discounted test kits to help residents identify risks early.
If a test shows high levels, licensed radon mitigation professionals can install venting systems to reduce exposure by up to 90%. Sealing cracks and improving airflow can also help temporarily.
“Radon doesn’t make noise, doesn’t smell, and doesn’t wait,” CDC officials warned. “Testing your home is the only way to know — and this Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start.”
