What are the chances of getting lung cancer from radon?
Radon Risk If You Smoke
| 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 |
Can long term exposure to radon cause lung cancer?
How does radon cause cancer? Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled, these radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lung. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, the only cancer proven to be associated with inhaling radon.
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.
What should you do if you are exposed to radon?
If someone has been exposed to high levels of radon over a long period of time, it is an especially good idea. Such persons may want to speak to their physicians about whether they should get regular health checkups or tests such as low-dose CT scans of their lungs to look for possible signs of lung cancer.
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.
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.
Is a radon level of 5 bad?
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.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. … Running a window fan in a basement window reduces radon levels, but only if the fan blows air into the basement.
How do you eliminate radon?
There’s no single method that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.
Is it safe to drink water with radon?
Health Effects
Radon can be inhaled from the air or ingested from water. Inhalation of radon increases the chances of lung cancer and this risk is much larger than the risk of stomach cancer from swallowing water with a high radon concentration. Generally, ingested waterborne radon is not a major cause for concern.