From the Guidelines
Radon exposure is a significant health concern, primarily due to its association with an increased risk of lung cancer, with a 16% increase in risk for every 100 Bq/m3 of radon exposure, as reported in the most recent study 1.
Health Effects of Radon Exposure
The health effects of radon exposure are primarily related to the risk of developing lung cancer. When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can damage lung tissue cells, potentially leading to cancer over time.
- The risk is particularly high for smokers exposed to radon, as the combined effect significantly multiplies cancer risk, with the risk of developing lung cancer due to radon exposure being approximately 25 times greater in active smokers than in non-smokers 1.
- Besides lung cancer, radon exposure has been associated with increased risk of childhood leukemia in some studies, though this connection is less established.
- Symptoms of radon exposure don't appear immediately, making detection difficult without proper testing.
- The health effects depend on concentration levels, duration of exposure, and individual factors like age and smoking status.
Mitigation Measures
To protect yourself from the health effects of radon exposure, it is recommended to:
- Test your home for radon using commercially available test kits.
- If levels exceed 100 Bq/m3, implement mitigation measures such as improved ventilation or professional radon reduction systems, as recommended by the World Health Organization 1.
- Be aware of the risks associated with radon exposure, especially if you are a smoker or have a history of lung cancer in your family.
- Consider using risk calculators, such as the Tammemagi lung cancer risk calculator, to assess your individual risk of developing lung cancer due to radon exposure 1.
From the Research
Health Effects of Radon Exposure
The health effects of radon exposure are a significant concern, with radon being a leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Some of the key health effects include:
- Lung cancer: Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, with an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths attributable to radon in the United States annually 2
- Increased risk for smokers: Radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers, with more than 85% of radon-induced lung cancer deaths occurring among smokers 3
- Risk for nonsmokers: Radon exposure is also a major cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, with enclosed environments such as residences and workplaces having higher levels of radon than outdoors 4
- Association with other lung diseases: Exposure to radon has been associated with the development of other lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD 4
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
The mechanisms of carcinogenesis due to radon exposure are not fully understood, but it is thought that DNA damage by alpha particles mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species may play a role 2. The synergistic effect of radon and tobacco smoke is also thought to be due to the production of reactive oxygen species.
Prevention and Mitigation
Prevention and mitigation of radon exposure are crucial to reducing the risk of lung cancer and other health effects. This can be achieved through:
- Radon testing and remediation: Public communication efforts that promote residential radon testing and remediation can be effective in reducing radon exposure 3
- Smoking prevention and cessation: Focusing on smoking prevention and cessation is the optimal strategy for reducing radon-induced lung cancer in terms of both public health gains and economic efficiency 3
- Governmental control measures: Implementing governmental control measures to reduce radon exposure, such as quantifying radon levels in buildings and training professionals to conduct measurements, is essential 4