Uncovering
Radon ' s Impact on Lung Cancer
Alisha Keshwani , Priyanka Senthil American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative
December 19 , 2023
When we think about the causess of lung cancer , smoking often takes the spotlight . But theree ' s another , less talked-aboulung cancer among those who don ' t smoke . 1 Understanding its impact and undertaking proactive measures to mitigate its exposure is an essential step towards reducing the burden of
contributor : radon . This colorless , odorless gas is a major player in causing lung cancer .
Radon originates naturally from uranium decay in soil , rocks , and water . Due to its prevalence in earth matter , it is known to infiltrate buildings
, including homes , through fissuress in foundations and walls
, gradually accumulating to hazardous levels of radon . Once inhaled , its decay products emit particles that , when inhaled , can damage lung cells and increase the risk of lung cancer . 1
Current Advances in Radon Awareness
While radon remains a major threat to people ’ s health , the research and advocacy work surrounding radon is becoming more and more active . Due to the risk high radon levels pose to the development of lung cancer , many lung cancer organizations also focus their advocacy work on encouraging radon testing and awareness .
One of these many organizations is the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative ( ALCSI ; www . alcsi . org ), a national non-profit organization committed to raising awareness of and access to lung cancer screening throughh education , policy , and advocacy efforts . ALCSI organizes grassroots community events to educate individuals about lung cancer screening , hosts podcastss with lung cancer patients and researchers , works with state and government leaders to issue public service announcements and proclamations about lung cancer screening , and works with U . S . Congress to pass resolutionsrecognizing November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and emphasizing the importance of lung cancer screening . In addition to these efforts , ALCSI is also dedicated to raising awareness of radon and encouraging the testing of homes and workplaces
. ALCSI ’ s National Advocacy Committee is currently working with governors and mayors across the U . S . and Canadaa to pass proclamations that recognize January as Radon Awareness Month and that emphasize the importance of radon testing of homes and workplaces . These proclamations work to encourage radon testing , mitigate radon levels , and raise overall awareness for radon and its link to lung cancer . Through these proclamations , ALCSI hopes to inform the public about how they can test their homes for radon and the steps they can take to mitigate radon exposure .
While radon advocacy is incredibly important to ensure that people are testing their homes and workplaces for dangerous radon levels , research is also an essential part of achieving this goal . Ongoing radon research encompasses several key areas . Studies continue to delve into