January is National Radon Action Month, and the American Lung Association is urging people to test their homes for radon, a gas that can cause lung cancer. The organization states that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the primary cause among people who have never smoked. Each year, about 21,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to radon.
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from soil and can build up inside homes. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. The gas enters buildings through cracks and openings in walls, basements, floors and foundations. Both new and old buildings are at risk regardless of insulation or whether they have basements. Once inside, radon can accumulate to levels that release particles harmful to lungs. There is no known safe level of exposure.
The American Lung Association emphasizes that there are no immediate symptoms or warning signs from radon exposure; testing is the only way to detect it at home.
"Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The Lung Association strongly urges every household to test for radon and take immediate steps to mitigate the threat if elevated levels are found."
For those seeking more information on health risks from radon as well as guidance on testing and mitigation options, resources are available at Lung.org/radon along with a free Radon Basics course at Lung.org/radon-basics.
The American Lung Association works nationally through research, education and advocacy programs focused on improving lung health and preventing disease (https://limpar.locallabs.com/organizations/ee2b6705-6efc-4d04-8d6b-1f13657098bd). The organization has contributed to advancements in treating lung diseases such as asthma and COPD by supporting research efforts (https://www.lung.org). With local offices across the country, it provides community initiatives addressing various lung conditions (https://www.lung.org). As a nonprofit public health entity based in Chicago since its founding in 1904 (https://www.lung.org), it continues its mission through educational resources like LUNG FORCE aimed at combating lung cancer (https://www.lung.org).
