Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. This invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in foundations and other openings. While people often refer to “radon poisoning,” it does not cause immediate, acute symptoms. Instead, exposure to radon presents a long-term health risk that develops over many years.
The Silent Nature of Radon
Radon does not cause immediate or acute symptoms of “poisoning” because its danger stems from radioactive decay, not chemical toxicity. Unlike chemical agents that might trigger rapid bodily responses, radon is a gas that undergoes radioactive decay into solid particles called progeny. When inhaled, these tiny radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs.
Once lodged in lung tissue, these decay products emit alpha particles. These alpha particles are a form of ionizing radiation that can cause significant damage to the DNA within lung cells. This cellular damage accumulates over extended periods, making radon exposure a chronic rather than an acute health concern. The effects manifest much later as a disease, rather than through direct, noticeable symptoms.
Primary Health Outcome: Lung Cancer
The primary health outcome associated with long-term radon exposure is lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the leading cause among non-smokers. Estimates suggest that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.
When radon decay products are inhaled, the alpha particles they emit directly damage the DNA in lung cells. This genetic damage can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, characteristic of cancer, over an extended period. Radon-induced lung cancer involves a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear for many years, even decades, after initial exposure.
Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms associated with radon exposure are the symptoms of lung cancer that develop after prolonged exposure. Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, with signs appearing as the disease progresses. These symptoms are not unique to radon-induced lung cancer and can indicate various other health conditions, necessitating medical evaluation.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
A persistent cough that worsens over time or does not go away
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing
Hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue
Recurrent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Coughing up blood, even in small amounts
What to Do if You are Concerned
If you are concerned about radon exposure, testing your home’s radon levels is the only reliable way to determine if there is a problem. Radon test kits are widely available from hardware stores or online. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends reducing radon levels if they are 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, and advises considering action if levels are between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
Should you experience any persistent respiratory symptoms, such as a chronic cough or shortness of breath, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. Early diagnosis of lung cancer, irrespective of its cause, significantly improves treatment outcomes. If high radon levels are found in your home, mitigation strategies like sub-slab depressurization systems and sealing foundation cracks can effectively reduce concentrations.