Have you been exposed to radon?

Published 12:14 pm Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Exposure to radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who never smoked cigarettes or other tobacco products. The Environmental Protection Agency says radon accounts for about 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year.

The EPA notes that radon is a naturally occurring gas that is present in outdoor environments in small amounts. It results from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. Radon can prove dangerous when it is concentrated. Radon may enter homes and other buildings built on soil with natural uranium deposits through cracks in floors or walls. It can also emanate from gaps in foundations and around pipes where radon becomes trapped and concentrated.

According to the American Cancer Society, when radon is inhaled, it exposes the lungs to small amounts of radiation that may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs. Over time, this may progress into lung cancer. That is why it is essential to confirm that a home is safe from radon and be aware of any possible symptoms that may indicate its presence. Unfortunately, there are no immediate signs or symptoms to indicate radon exposure. Also, radon itself is colorless and odorless. However, the following are some potential symptoms of radon exposure that should be brought to the attention of a physician.

• Breathing issues: Respiratory problems may form from radon exposure. Frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia should be questioned.
• Raspy voice: Repeated exposure to radon may cause the voice to sound hoarse or raspy. Non-smokers should be particularly concerned if their voices change.
• Muscle loss: Radon exposure may result in a reduction in overall muscle mass. If tasks suddenly seem harder or normal activities cause excessive fatigue, radon may be to blame.
• Chest pain: Radon exposure is one of many potential causes of chest pain that a doctor should address.

National Radon Defense says radon-related symptoms typically do not turn up until a person has cancer or is on the cusp of developing the disease. That is why it is essential to test for radon so that these health issues do not develop. Homeowners can purchase radon tests and do them on their own. A radon contractor can also determine what radon level is present in a home and suggest a radon mitigation system if high levels are detected.

The ACS says no widely available medical tests measure radon exposure, but people should speak with a doctor if they suspect they’ve been exposed to radon.

Radon is dangerous in high amounts, but people can test for radon levels in their homes and schedule annual health checkups to keep them safer. 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that radon disperses rapidly outdoors, which makes it a generally innocuous gas. However, radon can become trapped indoors, and it’s in those instances when the gas poses a potentially significant threat.

How does radon get inside?

The EPA notes that radon can enter buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. When that occurs, radon can become trapped indoors.

Why is radon a threat to human health?

Radon gas breaks down and forms radioactive elements, which can then be inhaled into the lungs. The breakdown of radon continues in the lungs, where radioactive particles release small bursts of energy. That energy is absorbed by lung tissue, contributing to damage in the cells of the lungs that can increase cancer risk.

How do I know if I’m being exposed to radon inside?

Home radon test kits can be very effective at determining if radon is entering a home. These tests are inexpensive, but individuals who want a second opinion also can hire a certified radon measurement firm to test their properties. If levels are determined to be high, contact a radon remediation expert to address the issue.

Can radon reenter my home?

Efforts at radon mitigation are generally very effective. However, mitigation systems can fail or stop working over time. So individuals concerned about recurrence can identify what caused the initial radon exposure, such as cracked foundations, and have those issues addressed. In addition, random testing for radon, even after mitigation efforts have been completed, can be a cost-effective and simple safety net.

Does radon exposure produce symptoms?

The American Cancer Society reports that possible symptoms of radon exposure include shortness of breath, a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. The lack of these symptoms should not be mistaken for evidence that a home has no radon problem, which is why periodic testing is necessary and potentially life-saving.

More information about radon is available at epa.gov.