New York City, NY – As winter temperatures settle across New York and homes remain sealed against the cold, health officials are urging residents—especially in New York City and surrounding suburbs—to be aware of a serious indoor threat that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. January marks National Radon Action Month, highlighting radon gas, often called 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 buildings through foundation cracks, basements, crawl spaces, and utility openings. While radon is often associated with rural areas, officials say elevated levels have been detected in New York City apartments, single-family homes, and buildings across the state, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and upstate regions.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In New York City and across New York State, buildings are tightly sealed to conserve heat, allowing radon to accumulate indoors for extended periods. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face a significantly higher risk, but radon exposure is dangerous for non-smokers as well.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon causes no immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn that exposure can go unnoticed for years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect dangerous levels.
State health officials recommend that all New York residents test their homes and apartments, particularly during winter when radon concentrations tend to peak. Test kits are affordable, and mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon levels when elevated readings are found.
As National Radon Action Month continues, officials say testing now could help protect families from a serious but preventable health risk.
