Introduction
Radon gas is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium, found in all soils. This moves up towards the ground, furthermore, where it escapes toward air through cracks and holes in the foundation. Additionally, radon is considered the cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Scientists estimate that 3% to 14% of all lung cancers in the country depend on the average radon level.
Furthermore, this blog explores the question: does radon cause cancer, and what type of cancer does radon cause?
What type of cancer does radon cause?
Radon is the leading reason for lung cancer in the country, depending on the national average radon level and prevalence. Lung cancer risks for smokers due to the synergistic effect of radon and smoking.
How Does Radon Cause Cancer?
Radon forms from the natural decay of radioactive uranium found in rocks and soil. Moreover, this escapes to the ground in the air, where it decays and produces radioactive particles. Particles deposited in the lungs can damage the tissues and cause lung inflammation. Researchers say smoking causes lung cancer by damaging cells on the lines of the lung.
Scientific Evidence: Radon and Cancer
Present studies and research linking radon exposure to lung cancer. Radon causes DNA damage and genomic tumor instability. Additionally, radon exposure and its role in lung cancer among nonsmokers. Among non-smokers, radon causes 3–15% of lung cancer cases worldwide. However, data says not many studies have been conducted on the distribution of lung cancer in Slovakia.
Who is at Risk?
Radon is the leading cause for nonsmokers due to the synergistic effects of radon and smoking. The risk of lung cancer increases by 16% per 100 Bq/m3 increase in long-term radon exposure. The relation is assumed to be linear and is more likely to cause cancer in people who smoke. Vulnerable populations like smokers, children, and the elderly are more at risk for lung cancer.
Ways to Test for Radon in Your Home
step-by-step guide on how to test for radon.
- Place the kit in the lowest level of your house.
- Closing of windows and doors
- Resealing the package and sending it to the lab.
The different types of radon testing kits and methods are:
- Short-term radon test: A short-term testing kit includes radon levels for 2-7 days in a quick way to the home for radon.
- Long-term radon test: long-term radon tests for a minimum of 90 days. Then the result is determined by sending it to the lab.
Ways to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home
Tips for mitigating radon exposure: You can try opening windows, doors, and vents on the lower floor by increasing the ventilation of your home. This increases the ventilation of the room and results in a reduced radon level. Hiring a professional radon service You can have a variety of benefits like a general contractor would know the depth of how radon gets and prevents accumulation in a room.
In summary, radon mitigation plays a key role in safeguarding health by radon concentration; moreover, it adds value to your home and provides peace of mind for protecting long-term health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, radon escapes from the ground into the air, where it decays to form radioactive particles, and as we breathe these particles, they can damage our DNA and cause lung cancer with prolonged exposure. Radon causes approximately 3% to 14% of all lung cancers in the country on average due to the synergistic effect of radon and smoking. To know more about whether radon causes cancer, visit DSM Radon. You are recommended to test your home if you haven’t till now.
FAQ Section
- Can radon cause other types of cancer?
Long-term exposure to radon causes lung cancer and is the only cancer that is associated with inhaling radon.
- How quickly does radon exposure lead to cancer?
Experts say that radon damages cells in your lungs, leading to cancer. They attribute radon as the cause of 21,000 deaths in the US.
Estimates say it takes 5 to 25 years to develop. The initial symptoms can cause a persistent cough.
- Is radon exposure only a concern in certain areas?
Radon gas outdoors and in homes exposes the population to radiation where the public and medical community can reduce the risk of radon exposure.