Invisible Danger: Lung Association Urges Home Testing for Cancer-Causing Radon Gas
During January's National Radon Action Month, the American Lung Association recommends every household test for radon gas to safeguard health and prevent lung cancer
CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- January is National Radon Action Month, and the American Lung Association is raising awareness of the potential health risks of radon and the importance of home testing. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The Lung Association strongly urges every household to test for radon and take immediate steps to mitigate the threat if elevated levels are found.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the soil that can accumulate indoors. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon can enter a home through cracks and openings in walls, basements, floors and foundations. It does not matter if the building is new or old, well-insulated or drafty, or has a basement or not. Once indoors, radon can build up to dangerous levels and release radioactive particles that attack your lungs with dangerous, cancer-causing radiation. There is no known safe exposure level.
Radon exposure has no immediate symptoms, irritating effects or warning signs. The only way to detect radon in your home is to test for it.
For National Radon Action Month, the Lung Association has the following guidance to safeguard against radon exposure at home:
Rental property owners have a duty to protect tenants from health and safety hazards in most states and should disclose known radon levels to tenants and reduce high radon levels through radon mitigation. Some states have tenant rights laws regarding radon testing and mitigation. Tenants should talk to their landlord or property manager about radon testing.
To learn more about the potential health risks of radon, testing and mitigation, visit at Lung.org/radon and take the Lung Association's free Radon Basics course at Lung.org/radon-basics.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E: Jill.Dale@Lung.org
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SOURCE American Lung Association