Invisible Winter Threat: Radon Levels Spike as Temperatures Drop

When the weather gets colder and people close up homes and buildings to retain warmth, indoor air quality often declines noticeably. Clark Seif Clark, an environmental and industrial hygiene consulting firm, reminds homeowners, property managers, and building professionals that winter is the most critical time of year to assess radon gas in indoor environments.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is produced from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into buildings through cracks and openings in foundations, accumulating indoors where it can pose a serious health risk. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, responsible for thousands of deaths each year.

“During weather extremes, such as the summer and winter months, homes, schools, and buildings are typically closed up, and outdoor ventilation is often reduced in an attempt to reduce utility costs,” said Derrick A. Denis, Senior Vice President of Clark Seif Clark. “Reduced outside air creates ideal conditions for radon gas to accumulate indoors. Because of this, testing during seasonal extremes provides the most accurate picture of potential season-specific exposure variations. As winter approaches, consider testing if your previous testing was conducted in moderate or summer conditions. Winter home sealing and increased stack effect are reasons January is designated as National Radon Action Month.”

CSC emphasizes that radon testing is crucial for protecting occupant health. The firm offers comprehensive environmental testing and mitigation support to help property owners identify and address radon and other indoor air quality hazards. Mitigation systems are highly effective and can significantly reduce indoor radon concentrations.

Key Reasons to test for radon during the cooler months:

• Reduced Ventilation: Windows and doors remain closed, allowing radon concentrations to rise.
  
  
• Stack Effect: Warm air rising inside a heated building draws in soil gases, including radon, from beneath the foundation.
  
  
• Accurate Results: Testing under closed-house conditions reveals worst-case radon levels, making it the best time to assess risk.
  
  

For more information about radon testing, indoor air quality services, or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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