Lung Cancer has always been linked to smokers. However, there has been tremendous rise of this deadly disease among non-smokers as well. According to a new study, long term and high exposure to radon gas could lead to lung cancer. Radon Gas is colorless and odourless and can silently linger and accumulate in people’s lungs and homes. About 15 to 20 percent of newly diagnosed lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked and many of those are in their 40s or 50s.
Researchers at Ohio State University say that rising lung cancer rates may largely be due to radon gas exposure and it can seep from the ground into building foundations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends regular radon testing and corrective measures to lower down the exposure levels in homes. About 75% of Americans have not had their homes tested for radon and over 55% are not concerned about radon exposure in their homes or community. This dara was found in a survey done by OSUCCC-James.
“Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, and as a community, we should be aware and concerned about radon exposure because it’s thought to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer in never-smokers – and there is something we can do to reduce our risk,” said David Carbone, a thoracic medical oncologist at The Ohio State University in the US.
The precautionary measures include installing outside the home a radon remediation system that sucks air from the basement. One can increase the air flow by opening windows and using fans/vents in their homes. Sealing cracks in floors, walls and foundation is also helpful.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.
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