Houston, TX – As cooler winter weather moves across Texas and homes remain closed up more often, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Houston 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, slab joints, crawl spaces, and utility openings. While Texas is often perceived as a lower-risk state, officials say elevated radon levels have been detected in homes across multiple regions, including parts of southeast Texas, north Texas, and the Hill Country.
Health experts say even mild winter conditions can increase radon exposure. In Houston and across Texas, homes may remain sealed for longer periods during cooler weather, 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 that damage often occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State and federal health officials recommend that all Texas residents test their homes, particularly during winter months. 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 Texans to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
