January is National Radon Action Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about radon exposure and encouraging homeowners to test their indoor air. Radon is a serious but often overlooked indoor air quality issue, and Middle Tennessee residents are no exception. Understanding what radon is, how it enters homes, and why testing matters can help protect your family’s health.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It has no smell, color, or taste, making it impossible to detect without proper testing. Radon enters homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, crawlspaces, basements, and other openings where the home meets the ground.
Once inside, radon can accumulate to unsafe levels—particularly during the winter months when homes are sealed more tightly to conserve heat.
Why Radon Is a Health Concern
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is a significant health risk. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. The risk increases the longer someone is exposed and the higher the radon concentration.
The good news is that radon exposure is preventable. Identifying elevated radon levels early allows homeowners to take corrective action and reduce risk.
How Radon Impacts Middle Tennessee Homes
Radon is present throughout Tennessee, and certain areas of Middle Tennessee are more prone to elevated radon levels due to local geology. However, radon levels can vary dramatically from home to home—even between neighboring houses. Factors such as foundation type, construction methods, and ventilation all play a role.
Because radon is invisible and unpredictable, testing is the only reliable way to know whether your home has elevated levels.
Why January Is the Best Time to Test
Testing for radon during the winter is especially effective. Cold weather keeps windows and doors closed, allowing radon to build up indoors and providing a more accurate picture of potential exposure. That’s why National Radon Action Month takes place in January—making it an ideal time to take action.
Professional Radon Monitoring with E3 Innovate
At E3 Innovate, we offer 10-day Radon Monitoring as part of our comprehensive Home Diagnostic Assessment. This longer monitoring period provides a more reliable snapshot of your home’s radon levels compared to short-term tests, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their indoor air quality.
Our assessments are designed to identify hidden health and comfort concerns while offering clear, practical recommendations for improvement.
📞 To schedule your Home Diagnostic Assessment, call us at 615-876-5479.
Learn More About Radon in Tennessee
For additional information about radon, its health effects, and how it impacts Tennesseans, visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s Healthy Homes radon resource page:👉 https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-homes/hh/radon.html
Take Action This Radon Action Month
National Radon Action Month is the perfect reminder that protecting your home’s indoor air quality starts with awareness. Testing for radon is simple, effective, and could make a lasting difference in your family’s health.
If you haven’t tested your home yet—or if it’s been several years since your last test—January is the time to act.
