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In addition, it is clear that far more lung cancers are caused by smoking than are caused by radon. [40] Epidemiologic radon studies have found trends to increased lung cancer risk from radon with a no evidence of a threshold, and evidence against a threshold above high as 150 Bq/m 3 (almost exactly the EPA's action level of 4 pCi/L). [64]
Radon-222 was first observed in 1899, and was identified as an isotope of a new element several years later. In 1957, the name radon, formerly the name of only radon-222, became the name of the element. Owing to its gaseous nature and high radioactivity, radon-222 is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. [3]
Radon, a byproduct of naturally decaying uranium, is estimated to cause thousands of deaths each year nationwide. Here's how to protect yourself.
John Gofman claimed it increased the rate of lung cancer worldwide. He said "Although it is impossible to estimate [dubious – discuss] the number of lung cancers induced by the accident, there is no question that the dispersal of so much plutonium-238 would add to the number of lung cancers diagnosed over many subsequent decades."
January is National Radon Action Month, raising awareness on the colorless, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. While radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, it is the number one cause among non-smokers, according to EPA policy-oriented estimates. [13] Significant uncertainties exist for the health effects of low-dose exposures. [14]
Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that begins in the lung. Lung cancer is caused by genetic damage to the DNA of cells in the airways, often caused by cigarette smoking or inhaling damaging chemicals. Damaged airway cells gain the ability to multiply unchecked, causing the growth of a tumor.
Radon is a major cause of cancer; it is estimated to contribute to ~2% of all cancer related deaths in Europe. [1] Radium, like radon, is radioactive and is found in small quantities in nature and is hazardous to life if radiation exceeds 20-50 mSv/year. Radium is a decay product of uranium and thorium. [2]