What are the health risks associated with Radon Gas?
Radon is a human carcinogen and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers according to EPA estimates, and a smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of lung cancer. Overall, radon is estimated to be responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, in the US alone and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates radon causing up to 15% of lung cancers worldwide !
Radon decays into radioactive particles known as radon decay products (RDP's). These particles are easily inhaled and deposited in the lungs, and being highly radioactive, can irradiate sensitive cells, increasing the potential for lung cancer. Radon may also be associated with other diseases i.e. Leukemia and Thyroid Cancer.
Your risk of developing lung cancer from radon depends on the concentration of radon in the air you breathe, and the length of time you are exposed. Recent independent studies in North America and Europe have confirmed that the lung cancer risk extends to radon levels below these current standards. The EPA and Health Canada recommend that all homeowners test their homes for radon gas.
What are the health risks associated with Radon Gas?
