How many deaths are caused by radon?
Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer.
How long does it take to get cancer from radon?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.
Is cancer from radon preventable?
“Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the county,” Dr. Carmona said. “It’s important to know that this threat is completely preventable.
Can you get cancer from radon gas?
Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements (radon progeny) that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and eventually lead to lung cancer.
Is everyone exposed to radon?
Everyone is exposed to radon, but some populations described in the literature are at higher risk of exposure to increased radon levels. In addition, some populations are more at risk of adverse health effects from radon exposure.
Can radon cause lymphoma?
A new report finds a statistically-significant, positive association between high levels of residential radon and the risk of hematologic cancer (lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia) in women.
Does radon cause lymphoma?
What are the long term effects of radon?
The primary adverse health effect of exposure to increased levels of radon is lung cancer. For lung cancer to develop may take years. For smokers, exposure to elevated radon levels increases their already heightened lung cancer risk.
What is lifetime exposure to radon?
EPA estimates that at its recommended guideline of 4 pCi/L, the risk of developing lung cancer for a lifetime exposure to radon is. 1% for nonsmokers, 3% for former smokers, and. 5% for smokers.