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Radon gas, a byproduct of uranium found naturally in soil, can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces and cause lung cancer. Symptoms are nonspecific, making early diagnosis difficult. Testing kits are available, and preventative measures include ventilation and sealing cracks.
Radon gas is present in the air in varying quantities. High levels of radon gas in homes and buildings are harmful to the body and often lead to lung cancer in individuals frequently exposed to it. Most radon symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, chest pains, coughing up blood, persistent coughing fits, hoarseness, and frequent respiratory tract infections are nonspecific symptoms that could also indicate many other causes. This makes radon poisoning very dangerous as there are generally no specific signs and symptoms for its early diagnosis. Lung cancer symptoms are often those first observed as the effects of radon poisoning.
Buildings and enclosed spaces, such as home basements and mines, can accumulate large amounts of radon gas in the air. Radon is a byproduct of uranium, which occurs naturally in soil. It is a radioactive gas that has no smell, taste or color. The gas can penetrate through the walls of buildings and accumulate in poorly ventilated rooms. Open spaces and well-ventilated rooms usually carry a lower risk of radon poisoning.
People are mostly unaware that they inhale radon from the air. The radioactive element can accumulate in the lungs and can cause radiation damage to body cells. With this, mutations in the DNA can occur, which can lead to the formation of cancer in the lungs. This makes radon poisoning the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Radon levels vary from place to place. Some areas of a neighborhood may have very high levels while other locations have only minimal amounts. To determine radon levels, kits are available that can be placed in homes and buildings. There are also some companies that offer services to test radon levels in certain areas.
However, few people are aware of radon poisoning and its harmful effects on the body. Since radon symptoms are mostly non-specific, this usually makes the diagnosis difficult during the first consultations. When lung cancer has developed, management and treatment are usually focused on the cancer rather than any radon-specific symptoms.
Environmentalists advocate awareness of radon and its effects on people. Some preventative practices include testing homes and buildings for radon levels, encouraging ventilation in enclosed spaces, and sealing cracks in walls and floors. Anyone experiencing symptoms similar to radon symptoms is also encouraged to see a doctor for diagnosis and proper medical intervention.
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