“ People in South Dakota talk to each other ,” Burns said . “ I think we have a lot of testing done , especially testing done in areas where radon is high .”
Lung cancer is SD ’ s leading cause of cancer deaths
Breathing radon for extended periods of time can pose significant risks , and those who smoke have an even greater chance of getting lung cancer when combined with radon exposure . Children and the elderly are also vulnerable .
Radon enters a home through cracks in walls , basement floors , and foundations , as well as water used for showers , dishwashing , and toilet flushing . Radioactive particles from radon become trapped in a person ’ s lungs when they breathe the gas , ultimately causing damage over time .
Signs of radon poisoning can closely resemble lung cancer , such as a cough that won ’ t go away , trouble breathing , blood in mucus , chest pains , wheezing or frequent respiratory infections .
According to the EPA , living in a home with South Dakota ’ s average level of radon is like “ having 300 chest X-rays each year .”
( Courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency )