Philadelphia, PA – As winter weather continues across Pennsylvania and homes remain sealed to keep out the cold, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Philadelphia and surrounding counties—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 enter homes through foundation cracks, basements, crawl spaces, and utility openings. Large portions of Pennsylvania are classified as high radon risk, with elevated levels frequently detected in homes across Philadelphia, the suburbs, and central Pennsylvania.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, buildings are tightly 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 a significantly higher 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 Pennsylvania 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 residents to test now—before long-term exposure leads to serious and preventable health consequences.
