Burlington, VT – As winter temperatures settle across Vermont and homes remain sealed against the cold, health officials are warning residents—particularly in Burlington and surrounding communities—about a serious indoor threat that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. January marks National Radon Action Month, drawing attention to radon gas, often 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 sump pumps. Vermont is considered a high-radon-risk state, with elevated levels detected in homes across Chittenden County and much of northern New England.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Burlington and throughout Vermont, homes are tightly sealed to conserve heat, trapping radon indoors for long periods. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Smokers face the greatest risk, but radon exposure can be deadly even for non-smokers.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon causes no immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn that damage occurs gradually, often going unnoticed for years. As a result, home testing is the only way to know if radon levels are dangerous.
State health officials recommend all Vermont residents test their homes, especially during winter when radon concentrations are typically highest. Test kits are inexpensive and widely available, and mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon levels when elevated readings are found.
As National Radon Action Month continues, officials say testing now could help prevent serious health consequences in the future.
