Buffalo, NY – As Thanksgiving brings families indoors across New York, state health officials are warning that a silent, invisible threat could be lurking beneath the floorboards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) say radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a serious winter health risk — and now is the time to test.
Radon forms as uranium in rock and soil breaks down, releasing gas that seeps into homes through cracks, drains, sump pits, and basement floors. It has no odor, color, or taste, and builds up easily in airtight homes sealed against winter cold. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that exposure over time can lead to lung cancer, making radon the second-leading cause of the disease nationwide.
New York’s geology puts many regions at risk, especially western and upstate counties like Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Monroe. The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher — but health experts emphasize that no level is completely safe.
Testing is simple and inexpensive. Short-term radon kits, available online or at hardware stores, can detect the gas in just a few days. Some local health departments in New York even offer free or discounted test kits. If results are high, certified mitigation specialists can install venting systems that safely reduce levels by up to 90%.
“Radon doesn’t make noise or leave a smell — but it’s one of the deadliest household hazards out there,” CDC officials said. “Testing your home this Thanksgiving could be the simplest step you take to protect your family.”
As Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse residents prepare for the long holiday weekend, health experts say there’s no better time to test for radon — before the silent gas turns deadly this winter.
