Originally posted December 29, 2025 - Margaret Henderson
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025
North Carolina Shares Radon Data, Resources Ahead of Radon Action Month
Press Release — Ahead of Radon Action Month in January, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is releasing county-level data and resources on radon levels across the state. In North Carolina, radon is the number one environmental cause of lung cancer, and an estimated 480 residents die each year due to radon-induced lung cancer. Persons who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lives are ten times more susceptible to the impacts of radon.
Ahead of Radon Action Month in January, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is releasing county-level data and resources on radon levels across the state. In North Carolina, radon is the number one environmental cause of lung cancer, and an estimated 480 residents die each year due to radon-induced lung cancer. Persons who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lives are ten times more susceptible to the impacts of radon.
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is released from the ground into outdoor air but can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and other buildings. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil and water, and testing for radon is the only way to know how much is present in a building.
Recent data shows elevated radon levels are not confined to specific geological areas or regions, with 90 out of 100 North Carolina counties having elevated radon levels present. Building materials may also contain uranium thus expanding the reach of radon gases. Statewide survey data also reflects that radon testing has been very low over the past 15 years leading researchers to believe that many people are unknowingly exposed to elevated levels of radon.
To address these trends and increase awareness about radon exposure, NCDHHS has released county-level recommendations and guidance documents for all 100 North Carolina counties. Resources are available in English, Spanish and 14 other languages. Instructional videos are available in Spanish, Cantonese, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, and American Sign Language. Specific guidance for how to test as well as fact sheets for children and pets are also available. For more information and additional resources, visit the NCDHHS Radon Program webpage and the Radon Brochures and Resources webpage.
NCDHHS recommends that every home be tested for radon. Starting on Jan 1., the North Carolina Radon Program will have free radon test kits available on a first-come, first-serve basis. More details will be released closer to that date.
The North Carolina Radon Program is available for interviews with credentialed news media. Contact the NCDHHS Office of Communications at news@dhhs.nc.gov for details.
Source: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2025/12/16/ncdhhs-shares-radon-data-resources-ahead-rado…
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