For the most current information, check with the federal agency or organization that provides it. Toxicological profile for Radon. Atlanta, GA: U. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:. ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.
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The report confirms that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U. The study fully supports EPA estimates that radon causes about 15, lung cancer deaths per year. The Agency's updated calculation of a best estimate of annual lung cancer deaths from radon is about 21, with an uncertainty range of 8, to 45, , which is consistent with the estimates of the BEIR VI Report. A single risk model also permitted the Agency to calculate a numerical estimate of the risk per unit exposure [lung cancer deaths per working level month WLM ] which will be used to update estimated lung cancer risks from radon in various publications, including A Citizen's Guide to Radon.
January 13, U. Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona, issues a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. The Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing.
In an effort to reduce the rate of lung cancer around the world, the World Health Organization WHO launched an international radon project to help countries increase awareness, collect data and encourage action to reduce radon-related risks.
The U. The following graphic compares EPA estimates of the annual radon-related lung cancer deaths to other selected cancers. View a larger version of this image. These are called alpha particles. They bind easily to air dust and other particles in the air. Each time we inhale, air goes into the nose or mouth, and through the windpipe.
The windpipe connects the nose and mouth to our lungs. If breathed in, alpha particles can damage the tissue inside our trachea and lungs. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking.
It is unclear. Some experts say because children breathe faster and have smaller lungs, they may absorb higher doses of radon and at faster rates compared to adults. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is no evidence that children are at greater risk when exposed to radon. Regardless, studies linking radon exposure to lung cancer have been well studied.
All experts agree that everyone should take steps to reduce radon exposure in the home. Yes, according to Health Canada. In , Health Canada initiated a two-year study to assess radon levels in Canadian homes. In the first year of the study, researchers analyzed 9, homes. Most homes will contain some levels of radon; the concern is how much.
It is not possible to predict levels of radon in homes. There are many factors involved. House location and its relation to the wind, for instance, are just as important as the source of radon.
Most hardware or home improvement shops carry radon testing devices. Look for one that measures radon levels in the long term at least three months. Otherwise, you can buy one online. It is a good idea to run the test during the winter, when there is generally less ventilation in the home.
Longer-term solutions require a lot more work. You may need to call a contractor to perform these fixes. Radon and health fact sheet.
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