Scientists warn dangerous radon gas may be increasing lung cancer risks
Source: Michael Asharley | Clean Air / Pollution Journalist 30 May 2026 9:17pm
Audio by Carbonatix
Audio By Carbonatix
Air pollution is often linked to smoke from vehicles, dust and the burning of waste. But scientists say there is another dangerous pollutant in the air that people cannot see or smell— radon gas.
Researchers at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission say the radioactive gas is naturally present in the environment, and prolonged exposure could increase the risk of lung cancer, even among non-smokers.
Senior Research Scientist at the Commission, Dr Irene Opoku-Ntim, explains.
“ There are other pollutants, as we all know, that we talk about, the dust, the burning and all those things, but there ' s also another hidden risk that is radon, which is giving people lung cancer beyond smoking and the other pollutants that we know out there,” Dr Irene Opoku-Ntim said.
Radon, sometimes, seeps from the ground into homes through cracks, holes and poorly ventilated spaces.