You cannot see it, smell it or taste it. It does not set off a smoke alarm or leave a stain on the wall. Yet radon, a natural radioactive gas, may be building up quietly in millions of basements and living rooms right now.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and with colder weather closing up our homes, it is a smart time for families to learn about radon and take one simple step to protect themselves: test.
What radon is
Radon forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. According to the American Lung Association, the gas moves up through the ground and slips into homes through cracks in foundations, basement floors and walls, and other openings. Less often, it can enter through well water used for showers and faucets.
Any home can have a radon problem, whether it is old or new, drafty or well sealed, with or without a basement. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says nearly one in 15 homes in the United States has radon at or above its recommended action level.
Why it matters
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The EPA estimates it causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, and the agency describes radon as the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked.
The danger grows when radon and tobacco smoke are combined. The CDC notes that smoking or breathing secondhand smoke in a home with high radon raises lung cancer risk even further. And because lung cancer often causes no symptoms until it is advanced, prevention matters.
Why test now
When the furnace is running and windows stay shut, indoor air does not mix with outside air as much. The Minnesota Department of Health says short-term radon tests can be done any time of year, but the heating season is the best time to test. In practical terms, that means the next few months are an ideal window for many families. (January is also National Radon Action Month, so if you miss November, put it on the calendar for the new year.)
How to test your home
Testing is easy and usually inexpensive. The CDC lists several options:
- Do-it-yourself kits are sold online and at many hardware and retail stores. The American Lung Association calls them low cost.
- Your state radon program can share local resources and lists of qualified testers. The CDC notes that some states offer free or discounted kits.
- National Radon Program Services, run by Kansas State University in partnership with the EPA, also offers kits.
Short-term kits give quick results over a few days, while long-term kits measure for more than 90 days and better show your year-round average. Place the test on the lowest lived-in level of your home, away from drafts. Follow the kit directions closely, including keeping windows and doors closed beforehand, then mail it to the lab.
Understanding your results
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter, written pCi/L. The CDC says the average U.S. home has about 1.3 pCi/L. Here is how the agencies explain the numbers:
- 4 pCi/L or higher: This is the EPA action level. If you used a short-term test, test again. If the average of two short-term tests, or one long-term test, is 4 or higher, the CDC recommends hiring a licensed professional to reduce it.
- 2 to 4 pCi/L: Consider fixing your home anyway.
- Below 2 pCi/L: No action is needed, but retest if you start using a lower level more, such as turning a basement into a bedroom.
Health officials stress that there is no known safe level of radon, so lower is always better.
What fixing it involves
The good news is that high radon can be fixed. The most common approach, the American Lung Association explains, is a vent pipe system that pulls radon from the soil beneath the home and sends it outdoors, often with a fan added for more power. Sealing cracks and openings helps too. After a system is installed, test again to make sure it worked, and retest periodically over the years.
“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” (Proverbs 24:3, KJV)
Caring for our homes is one more way we care for the people inside them. A small test kit and a few days of patience can bring real peace of mind.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns about your lung health, a long history of radon exposure, or symptoms such as a lasting cough or shortness of breath, please talk with your doctor.
Have you ever tested your home for radon? Share in the comments below.
Sources: EPA, “Keeping Radon on Your Radar” (updated Dec 10, 2024); CDC, “Radon and Your Health” (updated Jun 18, 2026); CDC, “Testing for Radon in Your Home” (updated Aug 26, 2026); American Lung Association, “Radon” (updated Oct 21, 2026); Minnesota Department of Health, “Radon Testing” (updated Nov 10, 2026); KJV Proverbs 24:3.
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