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.
How long do you have to be exposed to radon for it to be harmful?
If a person has been exposed to radon, 75% of the radon progeny in the lungs will become harmless lead particles
after 44 years
. When a particle damages a cell to make it cancerous, the onset of lung cancer takes at least five years, but often takes 15 to 25 years and even longer.
How long does radon stay in your body?
The decay products of radon (radon progeny) that are deposited in the lung have relatively short half-lives ranging from less than a millisecond (0.000164 seconds) to about 27 minutes; therefore, they emit radiation for only a short period of time,
about three to four hours
.
How do I know if I have been exposed to radon?
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
What are the chances of getting lung cancer from radon?
| Radon Level If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*… | 4 pCi/L About 62 people could get lung cancer | 2 pCi/L About 32 people could get lung cancer | 1.3 pCi/L About 20 people could get lung cancer | 0.4 pCi/L About 3 people could get lung cancer |
|---|
Does radon make you tired?
Additional, long-term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and
fatigue
. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer.
Can you reduce radon by opening windows?
As a temporary solution, however, you
can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows
. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
What are the first signs of radon poisoning?
Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing),
a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing
. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.
Should I worry about radon gas?
But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung
cancer
. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. … Since removing radon is relatively simple,
your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place
.
Who is most at risk of being exposed to radon?
People who do smoke
and are exposed to high levels of radon are at even greater risk. It’s estimated that lowering radon levels below 4 pCi/L could reduce lung cancer deaths by 2 to 4 percent, which could save about 5,000 lives.
How many cases of lung cancer are caused by radon?
Radon is responsible for about
21,000 lung cancer deaths every year
. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
Are some people more sensitive 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.
Is radon worse than smoking?
Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the
risk is significantly higher for smokers than for nonsmokers
. More than 85% of radon-induced lung cancer deaths are among smokers.
How do I make my house safe from radon?
- Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home. …
- Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. …
- Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
Can radon cause dizziness?
Long-term radon exposure produces symptoms akin to those of lung cancer. Unlike carbon monoxide poisoning or exposure to other dangerous gases,
you won’t notice symptoms
like fatigue, headache, confusion or dizziness. That’s because radon gas decays rapidly, damaging the cells in your lungs as it breaks down.
