Richmond, VA – As winter weather continues across Virginia and homes remain sealed to keep out the cold, health officials are warning residents—especially those in Richmond and surrounding communities—about a dangerous indoor health threat that often goes unnoticed. 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 utility openings. Large portions of Virginia, particularly central and western regions, are classified as moderate to high radon risk, with elevated levels detected in homes across the Richmond area, Northern Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley.
Health experts say winter creates ideal conditions for radon buildup. In Richmond and across Virginia, homes 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 the greatest risk, but radon exposure is also dangerous for non-smokers.
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms. Medical professionals warn that the damage occurs silently over many years, making home testing the only reliable way to detect elevated radon levels.
State health officials recommend that all Virginia 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 Virginians to test now to help protect their families from a serious but preventable health risk.
