Charleston, SC – As winter weather continues across South Carolina and homes remain sealed to conserve heat, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Charleston and surrounding Lowcountry 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, crawl spaces, basements, and utility openings. While South Carolina is often viewed as lower risk than some northern states, officials say elevated radon levels have been detected in homes across multiple regions, including coastal and upstate areas.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Charleston and throughout South Carolina, homes are sealed to retain warmth during colder periods, 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 often occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State health officials recommend that all South Carolina 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 South Carolinians to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
