HARRISBURG, PA — An invisible, odorless gas seeping into homes across Pennsylvania is putting thousands of residents at risk of lung cancer, with new data showing that nearly 40% of tested homes statewide contain radon at levels considered dangerous by federal health officials.
As January’s National Radon Action Month begins, the American Lung Association is urging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among people who have never smoked. Nationwide, radon exposure is blamed for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year.
According to the Lung Association’s newly released State of Lung Cancer report, roughly four in 10 Pennsylvania homes tested recorded radon levels at or above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action threshold of 4 picocuries per liter. Health officials say those findings point to a widespread but often overlooked public health threat.
Radon is released from soil and rock beneath buildings and can enter homes through cracks in foundations, walls, floors, and basements. Because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the gas provides no warning signs as it accumulates indoors, sometimes reaching hazardous concentrations regardless of a building’s age, design, or condition.
“Radon is an invisible danger, appearing at high levels in far too many homes across Pennsylvania,” said Kevin Stewart, director of environmental health at the American Lung Association. “Unfortunately, too few people are aware of the potentially devastating effects of radon exposure. Any home can have a radon problem, and testing is the only way to know if your home is safe.”
Health experts emphasize that radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms, making testing the only reliable method of detection. Do-it-yourself radon test kits are widely available, inexpensive, and simple to use, while certified professionals can conduct testing during home inspections or as part of routine safety checks.
The Lung Association recommends testing every home regularly — at least every five years, or every two years for homes with mitigation systems already installed. Elevated radon levels have been documented in every state, and levels can vary dramatically from one house to the next, even among neighboring properties.
For rental properties, the Lung Association notes that landlords in many states have a duty to address known health hazards, including elevated radon levels, and tenants are encouraged to ask property managers about testing and mitigation. Some states also have laws governing disclosure and remediation.
When high radon levels are detected, the EPA recommends installing a professional mitigation system for readings above 4 pCi/L and considering mitigation for levels above 2 pCi/L. Typical systems involve venting radon gas from beneath a home’s foundation and sealing entry points to prevent buildup indoors. State radon programs can provide lists of certified mitigation professionals, and some health departments offer financial assistance or low-interest loans to help cover costs.
Smoking further magnifies the danger. Radon and smoking rank as the first and second leading causes of lung cancer in the United States, and the combined risk is significantly higher for smokers exposed to elevated radon levels. The Lung Association offers smoking cessation resources at https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking.
Health officials say the message during National Radon Action Month is straightforward: test your home, mitigate if needed, and reduce a silent but deadly cancer risk that may already be present behind closed doors.
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