http://nurseadvisormagazine.com/tn-exclusive/how-to-advise-patients-on-radon-exposure
As most people are already aware, smoking is known to be the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. But, many people fail to understand that it is not the only cause. Yes, there can be other causes too. Among them, radon exposure is the second leading cause among smokers and the number one cause among non-smokers.
According to reports from the World Health Organization, radon exposure is the reason for up to fourteen percent of deaths due to lung cancer globally. In the U.S., it is found to be responsible for around 21,000 deaths due to lung cancer every year. This higher mortality rate resulting due to radon exposure makes it important to advise patients on radon exposure. So, how should you do it?
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How do people get exposed to radon?
An individual will be said to be exposed to radon when he/she breathes it in. As such, the risk of contracting radon-induced lung cancer is higher among smokers. Other than smoking, people could get exposed to radon at their jobs, schools, or other buildings. In general, people spend most of their time at their homes and therefore, it can be said that here is where they are getting a majority of their radon exposure.
Radon, which is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally, can come up through the ground and into the homes via cracks. Once it comes through the cracks, it would get trapped there and starts to build up. There are also possibilities for the colorless, odorless,