Columbus, OH – As winter conditions continue across Ohio and homes remain tightly sealed to keep out the cold, health officials are urging residents—especially those in Columbus and surrounding central Ohio communities—to be aware of a dangerous indoor health threat that often goes unnoticed. January marks National Radon Action Month, highlighting radon gas, commonly 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. Much of Ohio is classified as a moderate to high radon risk state, with elevated levels detected in homes across Franklin County, northern Ohio, and the Appalachian region.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Columbus and throughout Ohio, homes 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 occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State health officials recommend all Ohio residents test their homes, particularly during winter when radon concentrations are typically 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 Ohioans to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
