Prevent Lung Cancer by Testing Your Home for Radon

January 2, 2025

WASHINGTON — In January, the EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month and encourages Americans to test their homes for radon. Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when left unaddressed, can build up inside a home. Over time, exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it.

“Radon is a serious public health risk that can be reduced using simple, proven techniques,” said Acting Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division, Sharon White. “During this year’s National Radon Action Month, we urge everyone to take the first but vital step of testing their home. This year’s theme of ‘Test Your Nest: Test, Fix, Save a Life,’ emphasizes that identifying and reducing radon exposure can decrease lung cancer risk and save lives. Together we can protect our families and communities from this invisible threat.”

Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available for purchase online and at most home improvement and hardware stores. Some states and municipalities even provide at-home radon test kits for free. You can also hire a qualified radon professional to test your home. Contact your state or Tribal radon program to learn more about radon services in your area.

Millions of homes in the United States have elevated levels of radon. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, but many people don’t know about radon or the risks it can pose to their health. 

If you haven’t tested your home for radon, National Radon Action Month is the perfect time to take this step to protect yourself and your loved ones. Tens of millions of homes have already been tested, and millions of homes with high radon levels have been fixed.

The EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see EPA’s radon website.

Test. Fix. Save a life. 

Find a radon test kit.

Read frequent questions about radon.