Myth 2 : The increased risk of lung cancer is not significant .
Myth 3 : Only older homes have a high risk for radon exposure .
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Into the 1980s and 1990s , there was still skepticism about whether the findings in miners could be applied to the risk in homes . But rigorous studies since 2000 effectively laid the question to rest , Dr . Bellamy says .
Exactly how radon causes lung cancer is also well understood — and explains why it does not seem to contribute to other cancers . Some forms of radioactive material can be absorbed into the body and may even concentrate in the bone , but radon gas goes only to the lungs .
“ As radon gas breaks down , the particles lodge themselves in the alveoli , the tiny air sacs in the lungs ,” Dr . Bellamy says . “ Or the radon gas molecules themselves attach to small dust particles , which go into the deep part of the lungs . Either way , once present , the energy they give off can damage lung cells and eventually lead to cancer .”
Myth 2 : The increased risk of lung cancer is not significant .
Major scientific organizations believe that radon contributes to approximately 12 % of lung cancers annually in the United States . It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking . Among smokers , the increase in risk is dramatic due to the synergistic effects of radon and smoking . The EPA estimates that radon exposure increases lung cancer risk eight to nine times in smokers compared with nonsmokers . Major scientific organizations believe that radon contributes to approximately 12 % of lung cancers annually in the United States .
“ It ’ s almost as if smoking sets you up and radon pushes you over the edge ,” Dr . Bellamy says . “ You have the chemical damage from smoking , and now you ’ re bringing in radiation exposure on top of that . Clearly , we encourage everyone to stop smoking — that ’ s most important . But if you are not going to quit , make sure you are aware of the radon level in your house .”
Myth 3 : Only older homes have a high risk for radon exposure .
There is a misconception that radon exposure is a problem exclusive to older homes and buildings . Many people think newer constructions are designed to be radon‐proof . However , risk of radon exposure is not determined by the age of a building but by the presence of uranium in the soil beneath it , which varies widely from one location to another .
While modern building codes could potentially include radon‐resistant construction techniques , these are not universally applied . And even when used , they do not guarantee a radon‐free environment . Testing for radon is the only way to assess the actual risk in any home regardless of its construction date .
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