Radon Action Month: Understanding the Risk

January is Radon Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about a hidden health risk found in homes across the United States. At ImageCare Radiology, we join this mission by helping families understand how radon exposure affects long-term health and why early detection—especially through oncology imaging—can make a lifesaving difference. 

Radon is invisible and odorless, yet prolonged exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Testing your home is a simple step that can prevent serious disease, and this month is the perfect time to take action. 

What Is Radon and Why Does It Matter?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It moves through the ground and can enter homes through cracks, foundations, basements, and crawlspaces—often without any noticeable signs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for roughly 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, making it the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The American Lung Association echoes these concerns, noting that radon exposure is both common and preventable when homeowners test their living spaces. 

Quick Fact 

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., but the only way to know your home’s level is to test. 

Awareness Action 

Share a reminder with friends and neighbors to test their homes. A simple test kit can make a major impact. 

What Happens When Radon Exposure Goes Undetected?

Because radon gas is invisible, most people never realize they’ve been exposed until lung symptoms appear—often years later. While not everyone exposed will develop cancer, prolonged exposure significantly increases risk, especially among smokers. 

Common effects of radon exposure include: 

• Increased risk of lung cancer for both smokers and nonsmokers 
• Higher combined risk for individuals who smoke, due to synergistic effects 
• No immediate symptoms, making detection dependent on home testing 

Quick Fact 

Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk of lung cancer than nonsmokers in the same environment. 

Awareness Action 

If you know someone who smokes, encourage them to test their home. It’s one of the most protective steps they can take. 

Where Oncology Imaging Fits In

While testing your home is the first and most effective step in preventing radon-related disease, oncology imaging becomes crucial when lung abnormalities or symptoms arise. At ImageCare Radiology, early and accurate imaging helps detect changes in the lungs that may require further evaluation. 

How Oncology Imaging Supports Early Detection 

• Low-dose CT scans can identify small lung nodules before symptoms develop. 
• PET/CT imaging helps determine whether suspicious areas are metabolically active. 
• MRI may assist in evaluating complexities or the spread of disease.

These tools do not detect radon itself, but they can identify the health consequences of long-term exposure. Early imaging leads to earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment options. 

Quick Fact 

Lung cancer often shows no early warning signs. Imaging can catch small changes long before symptoms develop.

Awareness Action 

If you’ve lived in a home with elevated radon levels, ask your healthcare provider whether screening imaging is appropriate. 

How to Protect Your Home and Family 

The EPA recommends that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon, regardless of geographic location. Testing is simple, inexpensive, and often available through local hardware stores or online.

If test results are high: 

• Radon mitigation systems can reduce levels significantly. 
• Licensed radon professionals can help identify where gas enters the home. 
• Routine retesting ensures levels remain low over time.

Quick Fact 

Radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99% when installed properly.

Awareness Action 

• Visit the EPA’s Radon Action Month page to learn more. 
• Or explore guidance from the American Lung Association.

How You Can Raise Awareness This Month

Bringing attention to radon risks is a powerful way to protect your loved ones and your community.

Simple ways to take action: 

• Share this blog, as well as facts from the EPA or ALA on social media 

• Encourage family members to test their homes 

• Ask local leaders to share radon safety messages 

• Spread the word at schools, workplaces, or community centers

Quick Fact 

Radon levels vary from home to home, even on the same street. Testing your own home is the only way to know your risk.

Awareness Action 

Consider spearheading a small “home safety check” day with friends. Everyone tests their home and shares their results. 

A Safer Future Starts with Awareness

Radon Action Month reminds us that some of the most important health risks are the ones we can’t see. By testing your home, reducing radon levels when needed, and staying informed, you’re taking meaningful steps to protect your long-term health. 

And if lung concerns ever arise, ImageCare Radiology is here with advanced oncology imaging to support early detection, clear answers, and compassionate care.