Your Health - Green Radon & Remodeling
Radon: The Heath Risks
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon.
Studies Find Direct Evidence Linking Radon in Homes to Lung Cancer
Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miner’s who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”
The Story of Stanley Watras
Stanley was an employee at Limerick nuclear power plant who in 1984 set off the radiation alarms on his way into work. Upon a search of his home, other employees discovered that he had an unprecedented amount of radon coming from his basement and was unrelated to the nuclear power plant. It was calculated that about 2,700 pCi/L was contaminating his house and the risk of living there was equal to that of smoking 135 packs of cigarettes a day. This was the first time evidence of the danger of radon exposure was found. After this, standards were set and most homeowners began concerning themselves with radon levels.
SURGEON GENERAL HEALTH ADVISORY: "Indoor radon gas is a national health problem. Radon causes thousands of deaths each year. Millions of homes have elevated radon levels. Homes should be tested for radon. When elevated levels are confirmed, the problem should be corrected." |
