Newark, NJ – As winter cold settles across New Jersey and homes remain tightly sealed to keep heating costs down, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Newark and nearby communities—about a dangerous 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. Large portions of New Jersey, particularly in the northern and central regions, are classified as moderate to high radon risk, with elevated levels detected in homes across Essex County, Morris County, and surrounding areas.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Newark and throughout New Jersey, 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, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face the highest risk, but non-smokers are also vulnerable.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn the damage often occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State health officials recommend that all New Jersey 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 residents to test now—before long-term exposure leads to serious and preventable health consequences.
