HARRISBURG, PA — Nearly 40% of homes in Pennsylvania have elevated levels of radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is silently wreaking havoc across the state. According to the latest findings from the American Lung Association’s “State of Lung Cancer” report, 39.1% of radon tests in Pennsylvania hit levels at or above the “action level” set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). January, recognized as National Radon Action Month, serves as a stark reminder for residents to take action before this invisible threat becomes deadly.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. For non-smokers, it’s the number one killer. Each year, this radioactive invader claims the lives of an estimated 21,000 people. The alarming truth? Most homeowners remain either unaware or indifferent to the dangers that could lurk beneath their floors.
“Radon levels appear at dangerous levels in too many homes,” said Kevin Stewart, Director of Environmental Health for the Lung Association. “High levels of radioactive radon gas have been found in every state, but too few proactively work to protect their homes and families from the potentially devastating effects of exposure. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in people in the U.S., and testing is the only way to know if your home is safe.”
Why Should You Care About Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps from the ground into buildings through cracks in floors, foundations, and walls. Although invisible and odorless, its effects are deadly. Long-term exposure significantly heightens the chances of lung cancer. What’s worse, radon levels can spike even in homes located outside of known high-risk zones.
If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, your home could already fall within the EPA’s dangerous threshold of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)—the point at which immediate mitigation is recommended. Testing is the only way to know if your family is at risk.
Act Now, Test Your Home
The American Lung Association is urging every Pennsylvanian to prioritize radon testing, especially during National Radon Action Month. Testing is simple. Affordable testing kits are available at major home improvement retailers as well as online. For added convenience, the Lung Association is partnering with Protect Environmental to offer free radon testing kits in select areas—be sure to check online for availability in your region.
Follow these steps to protect your household from radon:
- Test Your Home – Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or are in the process of buying, testing is critical. DIY kits make the process easy and quick.
- Understand Your Results – If your home’s radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, immediate action is strongly advised. Even levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L require consideration for mitigation.
- Fix the Problem – Work with certified radon mitigation professionals to reduce radon levels in your home. Many state programs offer financial assistance to offset mitigation costs.
Smoking + Radon = A Lethal Combination
The risk of lung cancer multiplies dramatically when radon exposure is combined with smoking. For smokers, radon raises cancer risk by tenfold. If you’re ready to quit smoking, the American Lung Association offers free resources at Lung.org/quit-smoking. Quitting now, alongside testing your home for radon, could add years to your life.
Invest in Your Family’s Safety
Beyond National Radon Action Month, the message is clear—radon exposure is not a risk you can afford to ignore. Whether you live in a century-old home or a brand-new build, the threats are real and present. Get your home tested. Talk to your neighbors. Spread awareness.
Pennsylvania’s future may depend on individuals taking that first small step toward protecting their homes and communities. Don’t wait for symptoms of lung cancer to reveal the problem—by then, it could be too late. Taking action on radon today could save not just your health, but your life.
National Radon Action Month is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. For Pennsylvanians, this fight hits close to home. Do your part. Test your home. Secure your future.
To learn more about radon testing and mitigation, visit Lung.org/radon and take the Lung Association’s free Radon Basics course at Lung.org/radon-basics.
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