A Silent Threat in 90% of NC Counties
Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil. It enters homes through cracks in foundations, construction joints, and gaps around service pipes. Because it is undetectable by human senses, many families remain unaware of its presence until health issues arise.
"Everyone in North Carolina is exposed to some level of radon, which can be dangerous to your health," says Philip Gibson NC Radon Program Coordinator. "We recommend that every home be tested so you can know your risks and take the necessary steps for mitigation."
According to recent NCDHHS data, the risk is widespread: 90% of North Carolina counties have shown elevated levels of radon.
The Heavy Toll of Radon Exposure
The health implications are staggering. Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually across the United States. In North Carolina alone, the gas claims about 480 lives each year.
Health officials emphasize that the danger is not limited to smokers. While smokers are at a significantly higher risk (roughly 10 times more susceptible), radon remains the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
How to Protect Your Home
The only way to determine if your home is safe is through testing. NCDHHS defines an unsafe level as 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Order a Kit: North Carolinians can visit radon.ncdhhs.gov to request a free short-term test kit. There is a limit of one kit per household, available while supplies last.
Access Resources: The state has provided updated county-level data and mitigation recommendations on the NCDHHS website.
Multilingual Support: To ensure all residents are protected, fact sheets, flyers, and instructional videos are available in 16 different languages.
Reducing radon exposure is a top priority in both the 2023 NC State Health Improvement Plan and the 2025-2030 NC Cancer Plan. By prioritizing testing this January, residents can take a proactive step toward improving long-term life expectancy for their families.
WNCTimes