Portland, OR – As winter weather continues across Oregon and homes remain sealed to keep out cold temperatures and rain, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Portland and surrounding communities—about a dangerous indoor health threat that often goes unnoticed. January marks National Radon Action Month, drawing attention to radon gas, commonly referred to 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. While parts of western Oregon are often considered lower risk, officials say elevated radon levels have been detected in homes across the state, including the Portland metro area, the Willamette Valley, and eastern Oregon.
Health experts say winter creates favorable conditions for radon buildup. In Portland and across Oregon, homes are often closed up for long periods during colder, wetter months, allowing radon to accumulate indoors. 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 Oregon 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 Oregonians to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
