Researchers are examining climate-related environmental and behavioral patterns to assess the risk of radon exposure . This involves asking North Carolina residents “ Do you keep your windows open when it ’ s hot ?” or “ Do you live in the basement or on the first floor ?” which can impact access to fresh air . Demographic data shows racial disparities in radon gas awareness , with Black residents and those in lowincome neighborhoods less likely to be aware of or test for the invisible threat .
It ' s unclear how extreme precipitation and heat due to climate change may increase radon . There ' s also more to discover about how our responses to climate change , like spending more time indoors or using air conditioning more frequently , affects radon exposure and , in turn , the risk of lung cancer .
Radon-associated lung cancer can be prevented by limiting exposure to radon in indoor air . Findings by the CLOVER researchers could be translated to policy , potentially adding radon testing to building codes and requiring landlords to test for radon on their property .
A collaboration with North Carolina health officials has played a crucial role in advancing the Duke research by providing free radon tests to check indoor air .
Source : https :// medschool . duke . edu / stories / climate‐change‐and‐health