Best time for testing
If you’re safe in January, you’re typically safe in August. However, the opposite is not always true. January is the best month to test for radon in the northern hemisphere. This is because radon levels have an inverse relationship to outdoor temperature; meaning, if it’s really cold outside, then your radon levels are at their highest*.
Many people falsely assume this is because windows and doors are closed up and more radon is trapped. While that is true, it accounts for a very small portion of the seasonal increase. Radon fluctuations have much more to do with the stack effect. Read my full post on the stack effect here.
National Radon Action Plan
The National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) is a nationwide framework lead by IEA (AARST) in association with the American Lung Association, the EPA, CDC, HUD, and other organizations tasked with improving health outcomes for American citizens. This plan has four core strategies for achieving its goal of radon risk reduction:
- Build radon protections into laws and policies
- Support radon risk reduction financially
- Build the capacity to test and mitigate nationally
- Increase public awareness
“The National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) is the public-private framework guiding nationwide action to eliminate preventable lung cancer from radon in the US through protections in all communities and buildings. The Plan’s goals and strategies aim to identify, fix, and prevent high indoor radon levels. Representatives of federal agencies, state and tribal radon programs, nonprofit organizations and the radon services industry have worked together to develop and implement this coordinated plan to reduce radon risk.”
Limited funding
Radon awareness efforts have very limited funds. There are no class action radon lawsuits to pay for TV ads and billboards. Much of the funds for radon awareness come from industry trade groups with national memberships in the high four or low five figures. Since this industry is so small and lacks funds, it is smart to pool resources and time your awareness push to the best time of year for homeowners. By committing one month of the year to the bulk of awareness efforts, radon industry stakeholders can create a larger push. January sees an increase in news reports, governor proclamations, and social media awareness efforts which causes a considerable boost to awareness each year during the best time for testing.
Test today
The best time to test for radon is TODAY. If you’ve never tested before, don’t worry about optimal conditions simply start a test to get a baseline. In scientific research, data is king. You need any data point to begin. Test your home as soon as possible, then put a reminder in your calendar to get on board with EPA recommendations and test your home in the upcoming winter!
Resources for your Awareness Efforts
The Indoor Environments Association has many resources for those looking to spread radon awareness. Visit https://aarst.org/nram/ for free images and graphic design templates. One of the many benefits to IEA membership. If you’re looking for help with a radon awareness campaign, use the contact us form above and ask for Brent’s assistance!
*for most homes. Atypical homes do exist and here at PDS we get frustrated contractor and homeowner calls about them always. Click the thank you link above to do a deep dive on atypical situations in our Radon Learning Center
Sources:
Indoor Environments Association Radon Reporter December 2025 Issue
https://aarst.org/radon-reporter/
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-residents-urged-to-test-homes-for-cancer-causing-radon
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