A radon fan on display at A-1 Vacuum and Radon in Green Bay. January 7, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States if you face long-term exposure.
During the winter months, radon gas can build quickly, according to Michael Fogl of Fox Valley Radon.
“In the winter time, typically you’re going to find higher numbers, just due to the fact that the house is closed up,” Fogl explained. “And as that heat rises in your home and escapes out the roof, it pulls that soil gas up into the basement.”
The gas enters the home through soil and rocks, as part of the natural decaying process of uranium. But according to Andrew Stumbras of A-1 Vacuum and Radon, that isn’t an immediate cause for concern.
“Every neighborhood has radon. Every home has a certain amount of radon. We just care about when it gets to levels where it becomes more dangerous. No one doesn’t have any radon in their house,” Stumbras said.
As the month of January starts, so does Radon Action Month. Counties and radon specialists work to educate homeowners on the importance of testing and knowing your home’s levels.
For homeowners who may not have access to a radon test kit, Outagamie County is offering them for free in their public health vending machine.
“These test kits are used to measure the radon levels in your home,” said Johnny Vue with the county. “They’re short-term, so you typically leave them out for 10 to 14 days, you send them in and they should be able to tell you the results of your radon.”
Levels are measured in picocuries per liter, with anything over four being considered a risk that may require a venting system, which could cost about $1,000. Experts say knowing your home’s radon level is an important first step to consider.
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