Effects of radon: understanding risks & safety measures

Radon, an invisible, odorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It could be present in our homes, impacting our health without us even knowing, which makes it a serious health concern.

So, in this article, we’ll talk about the effects of radon exposure. You’ll learn why it’s particularly risky for certain groups like smokers and children. More importantly, you’ll learn what steps we can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

There are many serious health hazards of Radon exposure. For example:

• Lung cancer: The most significant risk from radon exposure is lung cancer. It can develop over many years, with an increased likelihood for smokers.

• Respiratory issues: Studies state radon can cause chronic lung diseases. These include emphysema, chronic interstitial pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis. That is especially true in the case of miners.

• Carcinogenicity: Apart from the primary risk of lung cancer, radon-exposed people have shown increased incidences of adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

• Reproductive system problems: While there are beliefs that radon affects reproductive health, no scientific evidence suggests that yet. 

The health risks from radon vary depending on its concentration levels and the duration of exposure. The longer you’re exposed to any level of radon, the greater the risk of developing health issues like lung cancer. 

Here’s what different levels of Radon can do to your health:

• Low levels (Below 2 pCi/L): The risk of lung cancer is lower at these levels. But note that no level of radon exposure is completely safe. Even at low levels, there is a small risk, especially over long periods.

• Moderate levels (2 - 4 pCi/L): The Radon levels between these readings are somewhat acceptable. The EPA recommends taking action at or above 4 pCi/L. But even levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L can pose health risks if you’re exposed to these levels for prolonged periods.

• High levels (Above 4 pCi/L): This is the threshold where the EPA strongly recommends reducing Radon levels. The risk of developing lung cancer at these concentrations is significant, especially for smokers. 

• Very high levels (Above 10 pCi/L): At these levels, the risk of lung cancer is substantially higher, even for non-smokers. The risk multiplies for smokers 25 times compared to non-smokers. 

Several key factors influence the severity of radon exposure and its associated health risks. These include:

• Age during exposure: Children are more susceptible to the harmful health effects of radon due to their developing respiratory systems and faster breathing rates. 

• Duration of exposure: The time spent in an environment with high radon concentration significantly impacts risk levels. Longer exposure periods heighten the likelihood of developing diseases like lung cancer.

• Climate: In areas with colder climates, homes are often more sealed. That can trap radon inside, increasing exposure levels.

• Radon Source: Radon can enter homes through air and water. Airborne radon is a more significant concern for lung cancer. Radon in water can also increase its levels in the environment, especially during activities like showering.

• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes in conjunction with exposure to radon can substantially heighten the risk of lung cancer when compared to either risk individually.

• Building materials and construction: The materials used in your home and how it’s constructed can affect Radon levels. For example, homes with basements or certain types of rock foundations may have higher radon levels.

Effects of Radon gas on health vary between smokers and non-smokers. But it poses a serious risk to both groups. 

In any case, there's always a greater risk to people who smoke or have done previously compared to people who have never smoked.

Effects of Radon gas on health vary between smokers and non-smokers. But it poses a serious risk to both groups. 

In any case, there's always a greater risk to people who smoke or have done previously compared to people who have never smoked.

Source: https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon

Source: https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon

If you suspect health issues due to radon exposure, particularly lung cancer, immediate and proactive steps are vital:

• Consult a healthcare professional: The first step is to see your primary care physician. Explain your concerns about Radon exposure and any symptoms you’re experiencing.

• Lung cancer screening: If you’re at high risk (e.g., a long-term smoker or have lived in a high-Radon area), your doctor might recommend a lung cancer screening. It’s a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan to detect early-stage lung cancer.

• Specialist referral: If there are indications of lung cancer or other related health issues, your physician will refer you to an oncologist, a doctor specializing in cancer. Or to a pulmonologist who specializes in lung conditions.

• Treatment plan: Lung cancer treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment depends on the cancer’s type, stage, and health.

• Immediate home testing and mitigation: Ensure your home is tested for radon. If levels are high, install radon reduction measures immediately. This is crucial for the health of others in your household.

• Regular follow-ups: Regular follow-ups with your doctor are essential for monitoring your health and the effectiveness of any treatment.

To ensure the safety of your living space, you’ve to become proactive about radon. Testing for radon is the only way to reveal its presence, with levels quantified in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). 

The EPA's guideline is clear: any home registering radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L calls for immediate action. 

For a safer home environment, you need to do a simple test. You can either hire professional radon inspectors or use radon detection devices. 

Taking the test becomes even more critical if you're settling into a new property or re-entering a space post-renovation, as these changes can affect radon levels.

If the tests show elevated radon levels, it's time to bring in the experts—certified radon mitigation professionals. These specialists have the technology and techniques to lower radon levels effectively. They achieve this via a system that redirects the gas from its subterranean source out into the open air, well away from where it can do harm.

Overall, the importance of testing and mitigating radon cannot be overstated. It's an investment in health, home, and peace of mind.

Protecting yourself and your loved ones from this invisible threat starts with reliable detection. This is where SunRADON steps in as your trusted partner. 

SunRADON offers professional radon testing devices for your home, ensuring peace of mind and a healthier living environment.

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