Cleveland, OH – As Ohio families gather for Thanksgiving dinner, state health officials are warning of a silent and deadly threat that could be lurking inside their homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) say radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a serious health risk — and now is the time to test.
Radon is formed when uranium in rock and soil breaks down, releasing gas that seeps upward through cracks, drains, sump pumps, and foundations. Because it’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, most families have no idea it’s there. During the cold months, when windows stay shut and air circulation decreases, radon levels can spike to dangerous concentrations.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer nationwide, claiming an estimated 21,000 lives each year. Ohio’s geology puts the state at higher risk, particularly in northeastern and central regions, including Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus.
The EPA recommends testing all homes and taking action if levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, though no amount of radon is completely safe. Testing is easy and inexpensive — short-term radon kits are available online, at hardware stores, or through the Ohio Radon Awareness Program. Results typically take just a few days.
If elevated levels are found, certified mitigation contractors can install venting systems that safely remove radon from beneath the home, reducing levels by up to 90%. Sealing foundation cracks and increasing airflow can also help reduce exposure.
“Radon is invisible, but its effects are deadly,” said CDC health officials. “Testing this Thanksgiving could be one of the simplest and most life-saving steps you take for your family.”
With families gathering indoors for the holidays, health experts urge Ohio residents to test their homes now — before this silent killer lingers through the winter.
