Human DNA is contained in two copies of 23 unique chromosomes and radiation exposure can cause breaks in our DNA. Dr. Goodarzi explained that not all radiation is created equally. On the radiation scale, he showed us that a dental X-ray is equivalent to a 0.01 dose. He explained, “So you increase your chances of cancer by 0.01”. This is a relatively small risk. However, he made it clear that radon was on the other end of this scale, it comes with higher risk and most importantly, there is no medical need for its exposure. Often the human body can heal itself and DNA damage is usually repaired correctly, however errors can occur. With enough radiation exposure, chromosomes, unless repaired by the body, will die. He used a great analogy to explain this—”our bodies and lungs can regenerate after exposure, however if you are still living among high levels of radon, it is like trying to fix a car whilst driving.”
He also discussed how younger people, especially children, are at a higher risk of DNA damage caused by radon exposure. In his words, “All children are radiation sensitive because they are still developing.'' Children's tissues are growing, their DNA is being replicated at a higher rate and they breathe faster meaning the amount of radon gas they breathe in is higher. As a result, he recommended, “Radon levels in a house with children should be below 100 Bq” (2.7pCi).
Dr. Goodarzi explains that “as a society, we have never been exposed to more sources of ionizing radiation than we are today”. And concludes that “radon in the home remains the single greatest exposure source”. Therefore he dedicates his time and research into urging citizens to test for radon, to ensure their safety.
Future research
Radiation in popular culture is known for creating superpowers. While it does create DNA mutations, these are not positive. Rather than being transformed into a hero from a comic book, it causes cancer. Educating on the effects of radon is key, and Dr Goodarzi’s dedicated research is making a difference.
One area that he is particularly interested in is the genetic sensitivity of patients to radiation. Do people have a particular genetic sensitivity to radiation compared to others? Should the amount of radiation exposure be adjusted to the patient's sensitivity? He has seen the evidence and is on a mission to prove it.
Dr. Aaron Goodarzi is the Canada Research Chair for Radiation Exposure Disease and runs his own laboratory at the School of Medicine for the University of Calgary. His work in radon gas induced cancer, in regards to knowledge engagement and innovation, won him an award for ‘Peak Scholar’ from the University of Calgary in 2016. He co-founded Evict Radon, a national confederation of scholars aimed at enabling radon research. His research is funded through Health Canada and aims to evict radon as a future source of lung cancer.
You can find Dr Goodarzi and his work below:
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Sources
1. Dr Goodarzi presentation to Airthings on
8 April 2019.
2. Evict radon