Radon and Cancer

Radon and Cancer

Radon is a radioactive gas formed during the breakdown of radioactive elements, such as uranium, that can be found in soil and rock. This gas can seep from the ground in the soil and rocks into the air and water tables affecting your home.

 

How are you affected by Radon?

Radon gas can seep through small cracks in floors or walls, or gaps in the foundation. Small amounts can be released into the water supply during this process as well. As this happens, radon can be inhaled into the lungs, slowly building up the carcinogenic elements.

 

Radon in the workplace

Some occupations are more susceptible to Radon exposure as well. People who work underground, such as miners are likely to be exposed to high levels of Radon. Studies of radon-exposed miners during the 1950s and 1960s confirmed the link between radon exposure and lung cancer.

 

Radon and Cancer

Behind cigarettes, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Long periods of exposure to radon gas can lead to cancer.

The combination of cigarette smoke and radon gas exposure creates a greater risk for lung cancer than either by themselves. Most radon-related lung cancers develop in smokers. However, radon is also thought to cause a significant number of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in the United States each year.

 

What can we do about radon?

Radon is present, indoors and out in the ground and the air we breathe, so it is impossible to completely avoid. However, there are ways we can protect ourselves from the buildup of Radon and prolonged exposure. The EPA recommends lowering any buildup of radon that is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. This value refers to the annual average. Certified Radon testers at 86theRadon in Richfield, MN can not only test your home for radon gas but can help you fix the problem as well. Contact our experienced staff and take the first step in protecting your home from this silent killer.