03/21/2025
THE RISK OF LIVING WITH RADON
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in
your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these
particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue
and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Not everyone
exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer. And the
amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be
many years.
Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about
the magnitude of radon health risks. However, we know more about
radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This
is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in
humans (underground miners).
Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk.
Stop smoking and lower your radon level to reduce your lung cancer
risk.
Children have been reported to have greater risk than adults of
certain types of cancer from radiation, but there are currently no
conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults
from radon.
Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:
• How much radon is in your home
• The amount of time you spend in
your home
• Whether you are a smoker or have
ever smoked
Scientists are
more certain
about radon risks
than risks from
most other
cancer-causing
substances.
