Is everyone exposed to radon?

Everyone is exposed to radon, but some populations described in the literature are at higher risk of exposure to increased radon levels. In addition, some populations are more at risk of adverse health effects from radon exposure.

How long do you have to be exposed to radon to get sick?

Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop. Early signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: persistent cough.

Do people exposed to radon have an increased cancer risk?

A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.

Is short term exposure to radon dangerous?

Breathing radon does not cause any short-term health effects such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, or fever.

Who gets exposed to radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium, which are radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil and groundwater. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes.

Where is radon most common?

Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and workplaces. Radon gas becomes trapped indoors after it enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Indoor radon can be controlled and managed with proven, cost-effective techniques. Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer.

How bad is a radon level of 5?

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.

What is radon exposure?

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon gas is inert, colorless and odorless. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and workplaces.

How does radon affect human health?

How Does Radon Affect Your Health? When you breathe in radon, it gets into the lining of your lungs and gives off radiation. Over a long time, that can damage the cells there and lead to lung cancer. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.

How do I know if I have been exposed to radon?

A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.

1. Persistent cough.
2. Hoarseness.
3. Wheezing.
4. Shortness of breath.
5. Coughing up blood.
6. Chest pain.
7. Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
8. Loss of appetite.