January is recognized nationwide as National Radon Action Month which is a time dedicated to increasing awareness about radon and encouraging homeowners to take simple, preventive steps to protect their health. Although radon is invisible and odorless, it can quietly build up inside homes and pose serious long-term risks if left undetected.
For this reason, National Radon Action Month 2026 focuses on education and action. By understanding radon and knowing how to test for it, homeowners can make informed decisions about their indoor environment.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released as uranium breaks down in soil and rock beneath the ground. As it moves upward through the soil, radon can enter buildings through small openings in the foundation.
Because radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, it often goes unnoticed. As a result, professional radon testing is the only reliable way to determine whether elevated radon levels are present in a home.
Why Radon Is a Health Concern
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, following smoking. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases lung cancer risk, even among people who have never smoked.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon-related lung cancer is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year. This makes radon one of the most serious indoor air quality concerns in the United States.
Can Radon Affect Any Home?
Many homeowners assume radon is only a concern in older homes or certain regions. However, radon has been found in homes across all 50 states, regardless of age, size, or construction type.
Radon levels are influenced by factors such as soil composition, foundation design, ventilation, and weather conditions. In fact, two neighboring homes can have very different radon readings. For this reason, testing is the only way to truly understand a home’s radon risk.
Homeowners can also get a general sense of local risk by using Protect Environmental’s radon level search by ZIP code, which shows known radon trends in specific areas.
How Radon Enters Homes
Radon typically enters a home through common foundation openings, including cracks in basement floors, gaps around pipes, crawl spaces, and construction joints. Once inside, radon can accumulate to higher concentrations, particularly in lower levels of the building.
Professional radon mitigation services are designed to identify these entry points and safely redirect radon gas away from the home before it builds up indoors.
Why Radon Testing Is the Focus of National Radon Action Month
Because radon cannot be detected without testing, testing is the central focus of National Radon Action Month. Testing provides clear information and allows homeowners to take action based on real data rather than assumptions.
In addition, health agencies recommend periodic radon testing, especially after home renovations or changes to a building’s structure, since radon levels can fluctuate over time.
How Radon Testing Works
Short-Term Radon Tests
Short-term tests measure radon levels over a few days and are commonly used as an initial screening tool. These tests can quickly indicate whether further evaluation is needed.
Long-Term Radon Tests
Long-term tests measure radon levels over several months. Because radon levels can vary by season, long-term testing offers a more complete picture of ongoing exposure.
When to Retest for Radon
Retesting is recommended after major renovations, changes in how lower levels of the home are used, or if several years have passed since the last test.
What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?
If elevated radon levels are found, professionally installed radon mitigation systems can significantly reduce indoor radon concentrations. These systems are designed to safely vent radon gas away from the home, improving indoor air quality and reducing long-term health risks.
Radon mitigation is a proven and effective solution when tailored to a home’s specific structure and conditions.
What Homeowners Can Do During National Radon Action Month
National Radon Action Month encourages homeowners to take practical steps, including:
- Testing their home for radon
- Learning about radon risks and solutions
- Encouraging friends and family to test their homes
- Taking action if elevated levels are found
Together, these steps help turn awareness into prevention.
Common Questions About Radon
Homeowners often have similar concerns when learning about radon for the first time. Below are answers to some of the most common questions. For more detailed information, you can also explore Protect Environmental’s radon FAQs, which cover testing, mitigation, and ongoing safety in greater depth.
Can new homes have radon?
Yes. New construction does not prevent radon entry. Even newly built homes can have elevated radon levels, which is why testing is still recommended.
How often should radon be tested?
Testing every few years, or after major home renovations or structural changes, is generally recommended.
Do radon levels change over time?
Yes. Weather conditions, soil movement, ventilation, and home modifications can all affect radon levels.
Is radon only a concern in certain areas?
No. Elevated radon levels have been identified in homes across the country, making testing important regardless of location.
Turning Awareness Into Action
National Radon Action Month is a reminder that radon risks are manageable. Awareness leads to testing, and testing leads to informed action that can protect indoor air quality and long-term health.
Take Action This January
January is an ideal time to learn more about radon and take the first step toward peace of mind. Whether that means testing your home, learning about mitigation options, or speaking with a professional, action begins with awareness.
Test My Home!
Professional radon testing is the first step to making your home a safe place to breathe.
