However, in areas without adequate ventilation, such as underground mines, radon can accumulate to levels that substantially increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is present in nearly all air. Everyone breathes in radon every day, usually at very low levels. However, people who inhale high levels of radon are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and collect indoors.
It can also be released from building materials, or from water obtained from wells that contain radon. Basement and first floors typically have the highest radon levels because of their closeness to the ground. Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles.
When inhaled, these radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lung. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, the only cancer proven to be associated with inhaling radon. There has been a suggestion of increased risk of leukemia associated with radon exposure in adults and children; however, the evidence is not conclusive. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer.
Radon represents a far smaller risk for this disease, but it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Scientists estimate that 15, to 22, lung cancer deaths in the United States each year are related to radon. Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk of lung cancer than exposure to either factor alone.
The majority of radon-related cancer deaths occur among smokers. However, it is estimated that more than 10 percent of radon-related cancer deaths occur among nonsmokers. Radon was identified as a health problem when scientists noted that underground uranium miners who were exposed to it died of lung cancer at high rates. The results of miner studies have been confirmed by experimental animal studies, which show higher rates of lung tumors among rodents exposed to high radon levels.
Scientists agree that radon causes lung cancer in humans. Recent research has focused on specifying the effect of residential radon on lung cancer risk. In these studies, scientists measure radon levels in the homes of people who have lung cancer and compare them to the levels of radon in the homes of people who have not developed lung cancer. Researchers have combined and analyzed data from all radon studies conducted in Canada and the United States.
By combining the data from these studies, scientists were able to analyze data from thousands of people. The results of this analysis demonstrated a slightly increased risk of lung cancer for individuals with elevated exposure to household radon.
This increased risk was consistent with the estimated level of risk based on studies of underground miners. Indoor radon levels are affected by the soil composition under and around the house, and the ease with which radon enters the house.
In addition, rain or snow, barometric pressure, and other influences can cause radon levels to vary from month to month or day to day, which is why both short- and long-term tests are available.
Short-term detectors measure radon levels for 2 days to 90 days, depending on the device. Long-term tests determine the average concentration for more than 90 days. Because radon levels can vary from day to day and month to month, a long-term test is a better indicator of the average radon level. Both tests are relatively easy to use and inexpensive. The U. About 1 in 15 U. The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University is funded by the EPA and aimed at promoting public awareness of radon, increased testing, and the reduction of radon in homes, schools, and buildings.
It provides a variety of resources, including the National Radon Hotlines, referrals to state radon programs, radon test kit orders, radon mitigation promotion, and other technical assistance and outreach activities. More information is also available online from the EPA. Menu Contact Dictionary Search. Understanding Cancer. What Is Cancer? Cancer Statistics. Cancer Disparities. Cancer Causes and Prevention. Risk Factors. Cancer Prevention Overview. Cancer Screening Overview.
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For instance, radon levels are usually highest in basements or crawl spaces as they are nearest to the source and are often poorly ventilated 1.
According to Health Canada, the difference in air pressure from inside vs. Radon is able to enter a home through any opening where the house contacts the ground — cracks in the foundation floor and walls, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window casements, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside walls 1. This includes both newly built homes to be done during the first heating season of the house as well as older homes 3. Since you cannot taste, smell or see radon gas, radon detection technology has been developed to test and monitor radon levels in homes and workplaces.
There are two basic ways to test for radon: short term and long term. Short term tests must be a minimum duration of 48 hours up to 91 days 3. Long-term testing can be from 91 days to one year 3. Radon gas levels in a home are not the same every day. A short-term test may show unusually high or low levels due to the weather and activity in your home.
The overall purpose of a short term test is to provide quicker results than a long term test is able to provide, which can be useful for various situations 3. A long-term test will average your exposure to radon levels over a period of time, and experts agree that this gives a more conclusive test result.
If you are concerned about radon, there are kits available that allow you to test for radon levels in your home. There are different methods used to measure radon. One method involves alpha track technology.
The detector is placed in your home from one month to one year Health Canada recommends that homes be tested for a minimum of three months in the lowest lived-in level of the home, ideally during the winter 1.
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