Why are children at greater risk?
Where are children at risk?
Radon-induced lung cancer is impacted by:
• age
• duration of exposure
• concentration of radon
• exposure to tobacco smoke
RADON & CHILDREN
Learn why children are at greater risk than adults.
Why are children at greater risk?
Children have smaller lungs and they breathe faster than adults. Thus, children may get a higher dose of radiation from radon exposure. In addition, children have immature organs that may be more sensitive to radiation and more susceptible to cell mutations, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.
Children have a longer life expectancy than adults, allowing more time for radiation-induced effects. In other words, children exposed to radon have a greater likelihood of developing radon-induced health issues over their lifetimes. The longer a person is exposed to high levels of radon, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer later in life.
Where are children at risk?
Homes, daycares, and schools present the greatest risk of radon exposure for children as they spend a substantial portion of their day in these locations.
Radon may be present inside any building regardless of the geographic area.
All homes and buildings should be tested for radon and fixed when radon is greater than or equal to 4.0 pCi / L( picocuries per liter) of air.
HOME
Radon-induced lung cancer is impacted by:
• age
• duration of exposure
• concentration of radon
• exposure to tobacco smoke
Now is the time to act! Children rely on adults to protect them. You can lower the risk of lung cancer developing in the children you care for as they grow into adulthood.
DAYCARE
SCHOOL