The Silent Threat, Radon's Impact on Lung Cancer

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialized equipment. When radon gas is released from the ground, it can accumulate in buildings, particularly in enclosed spaces such as basements and lower levels.

Calgary homes are known to have radon levels above Health Canada's guidelines and recent survey's suggest 1 in 5 homes in Canada are above the mitigation threshold recommendations.

The inhalation of radon and its decay products is a significant health concern, as exposure to high levels of radon over time has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. When radon decays, it forms radioactive particles that can become trapped in the lungs when inhaled. As these particles continue to decay, they emit radiation that can damage lung tissue and lead to mutations in the DNA of lung cells. This damage can disrupt normal cellular processes and potentially result in the development of cancerous cells.

The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is particularly heightened among smokers, as the combination of tobacco smoke and radon exposure can significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified radon as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means that it is a known cause of cancer in humans. In fact, radon is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, accounting for thousands of lung cancer deaths annually.

Public health initiatives aim to raise awareness about the dangers of radon and encourage testing and remediation efforts, ultimately striving to decrease the incidence of lung cancer linked to this hazardous substance and save premature cancer deaths.