Why is Radon Gas Dangerous?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that becomes dangerous when trapped in enclosed spaces, like homes, where it can accumulate to high levels. Invisible and odorless, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second overall cause after smoking.
The Science Behind Radon’s Danger
Radon is a radioactive gas. Breathing it exposes our lungs to radiation. When radon is inhaled, it decays into tiny radioactive particles that damage the cells lining the lungs. Over time, this exposure increases the risk of lung cancer. The level of risk depends on the radon concentration and the duration of exposure.
Understanding the Impact of Residential Radon on Lung Cancer
Radon gas is widely recognized by scientists as a cause of lung cancer in humans. Recent studies* have focused on evaluating how radon exposure in residential settings influences lung cancer risk. To understand this, researchers compared radon levels in the homes of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer to those of individuals without the disease in Canada and the United States.
The findings revealed a increased lung cancer risk for individuals exposed to higher levels of radon in their homes. Notably, this risk aligns with earlier findings from research on underground miners who are also exposed to radon.
Advancements in exposure measurement techniques, such as improved detector technology, during the 1990s and early 2000s have made it possible to more accurately assess radon’s long-term health impact.
Shocking Statistics
In Canada, radon exposure causes an estimated 3,200 lung cancer deaths annually—more than fatalities from car accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning, and house fires combined.
For non-smokers exposed to high radon levels, the lifetime lung cancer risk is 1 in 20. For smokers, it jumps to 1 in 3.
Approximately 1 in 4 homes in Manitoba have radon levels above Health Canada’s recommended limit of 200 Bq/m³, making testing essential for safety.
Combined Risks with Smoking
Radon exposure and smoking create a deadly synergy. For lifelong smokers, radon exposure can significantly amplify the already elevated lung cancer risk.
Protect Your Home and Family
Testing your home for radon is the only way to determine if levels are dangerous. If high levels are detected, mitigation systems can reduce radon concentrations to safe levels. Investing in radon testing and mitigation is an investment in your family’s long-term health and safety.
*Canadian Medical Association Journal
Journal of the National Cancer Institute