Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water, and it can seep into buildings through foundation cracks. While low levels are common in outdoor air, radon can build up indoors, and breathing in high concentrations over time is a major health issues.
Radon is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can cause lung cancer, including in people who have never smoked. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that around 21,000 people die from radon-associated lung cancer each year and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Patients can prevent radon-associated lung cancer by testing their homes and installing radon reduction systems, if needed. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about radon in the general population.
Who is Affected by Radon & What are the Dangers?
- Everyone can be exposed! Homes, schools, and workplaces can all have elevated radon levels.
- Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk of lung cancer
- Non-smokers are also at risk—radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
- Risk increases with long-term exposure and higher radon concentrations
When radon is inhaled, it breaks down into radioactive particles that:
- Become trapped in the lungs
- Damage lung tissue over time
- Increase the risk of lung cancer, often without early warning signs
Symptoms usually do not appear until the disease is advanced, which makes prevention and testing critical.
Respiratory Perspective: Caring for patients with Potential Radon Exposure.
From a Respiratory Therapy standpoint, radon exposure is often a silent contributor to chronic lung disease and lung cancer. Care focuses on assessment, early recognition, symptom management, and prevention education.
If you are concerned about Radon Exposure following an at home radon test, talk to your primary care provider, who may refer you to a respiratory therapist for further evaluation.
- Obtain a detailed exposure history (home, workplace, long-term residence)
- Assess for chronic symptoms such as:
- Persistent Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest discomfort
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Pay close attention to non-smokers with lung disease, where radon may be an overlooked risk factor.
Depending on condition and severity, care may include:
- Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia
- Bronchodilator and airway clearance therapies
- Ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive) when respiratory failure is present
- Symptom management for dyspnea, fatigue, and anxiety
Radon exposure is preventable, and lung cancer risk can be significantly reduced through testing, mitigation, and awareness. Knowing your radon risk could protect your lungs – and your life. At home test kits are available for purchase on the internet or at major home improvement retail outlets, but some entities do provide discounted or free kits periodically. For more information about Radon in Alabama, visit the ADPH website.
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/radon/radon-in-alabama.html