Richmond, VA – As Virginians prepare for Thanksgiving feasts and family gatherings, health officials are alerting residents to an invisible and deadly threat that could be building up inside their homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) say radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a serious health risk — especially during colder months when homes are sealed tight.
Radon is produced when uranium in rock, soil, and groundwater breaks down. The gas seeps into homes through foundation cracks, floor joints, sump pits, and drains, where it can become trapped and reach unsafe levels. Because it has no color, smell, or taste, families are often unaware of its presence until they test.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), long-term exposure to radon causes more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country — and the leading cause among non-smokers. The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, though experts stress that no amount of radon is completely safe.
Testing is easy and affordable. Short-term test kits, available online or at hardware stores for under $30, can detect radon in just a few days. The Virginia Department of Health also offers resources and sometimes discounted test kits to encourage residents to check their homes.
If levels are high, certified mitigation specialists can install ventilation systems that reduce radon concentrations by up to 90%. Officials recommend testing before or after the holiday weekend, when windows are closed and radon levels are most likely to peak.
“Radon is invisible, but its effects are not,” said CDC health officials. “Testing this Thanksgiving could save lives.”
As families in Richmond, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia gather indoors, health experts urge residents to make radon testing part of their winter home-safety routine — before this silent killer overstays its welcome.
