II. Pathophysiology
- Radon Gas is associated as causative factor for Lung Cancer (the leading cause of Lung Cancer in non-smokers)
III. Epidemiology
- NIH estimates 20,000 Lung Cancer deaths per year due to radon
IV. Pathophysiology: Characteristics
- Radon is naturally found in soil and bedrock
- Radon Gas is a natural decay product of Radium-226
- Radon is tasteless, colorless and odorless
- Radioactive Half-Life: 3.8 days
V. Pathophysiology: Human Risk
- Radon concentrates indoors in basements where it is drawn in by a pressure differential created by ventilation systems
- Radon enters buildings through cracks in the foundation and floor-wall joints
- Radon may also emanate from well water or concrete
- High radon concentrations are found throughout the U.S., in both new and old homes, and across socioeconomic groups
- U.S. EPA recommends Radon lowering for levels >4 pCi/L, but no Radon levels are considered safe
- Radon Gas decays into solid radioactive particles (polonium-214 and 218) that are inhaled and deposit in lung epithelium
VI. Pathophysiology: Radon Level associated Lifetime Lung Cancer Death Risk (per 100,000 people)
- Radon Level 0.4 pCi/L: 73 in never smokers (640 in smokers)
- Radon Level 2 pCi/L: 370 in never smokers (3,200 in smokers)
- Radon Level 4 pCi/L: 730 in never smokers (6,200 in smokers)
- Radon Level 8 pCi/L: 1,500 in never smokers (12,000 in smokers)
- Radon Level 20 pCi/L: 3,600 in never smokers (26,000 in smokers)
VII. Evaluation: Detection
- Radon testing is inexpensive (less than $25) with home testing kits widely available at hardware stores
- Radon Gas detector placed in basement of home
- Hazardous level of household radon: >4 pCi/L
- More common in midwest and most concentrated in basements
VIII. Prevention: Dangerous radon levels
- Revision of existing construction
- Radon mitigation (exhaust for Radon Gas): Costs >$1500
- New construction
- Radon Proofing Home: $200-400
IX. Prevention: Lung Cancer Screening
X. Resources
- National Radon Hotline (test kits and other resources)
- Phone: 1-800-SOS-RADON