Radon Health Risks
Understanding the Dangers of Radon Exposure
Radon is a radioactive gas linked to lung cancer. Learn about the health risks and how testing can help protect your family.
Radon & Lung Cancer
From the EPA
According to the EPA, radon is estimated to cause approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. This makes it the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
Factors Affecting Risk
Exposure Duration
Risk increases with years of exposure. Long-term residents face cumulative exposure over time.
Radon Concentration
Higher radon levels correlate with increased risk. The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L.
Smoking Status
Smokers exposed to radon face significantly higher lung cancer risk than non-smokers. The combination multiplies risk.
Time Spent at Home
More time spent in a home with elevated radon means greater exposure. Children and homebound individuals may have higher exposure.
Groups with Higher Potential Exposure
Smokers & Former Smokers
Smoking and radon exposure together create a multiplicative effect on lung cancer risk.
Children
Children may be more vulnerable to radiation exposure, and their longer future lifespan allows more time for effects to develop.
Elderly Adults
Seniors often spend more time at home, potentially increasing exposure duration.
Home-Based Workers
People who work from home may have higher exposure than those who spend workdays elsewhere.
Radon Health FAQs
How does radon cause lung cancer?
When radon gas is inhaled, it decays into radioactive particles that can damage lung tissue. Over time, this radiation damage can lead to lung cancer. The risk depends on radon concentration and duration of exposure.
Is there a safe level of radon?
There is no known safe level of radon. However, reducing levels reduces risk. The EPA recommends action at 4.0 pCi/L or higher, and suggests considering action between 2-4 pCi/L. Lowering levels as much as practical is beneficial.
Does radon only cause lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the primary health concern associated with radon exposure. While some research has explored other potential effects, the EPA and major health organizations focus on the well-established lung cancer risk.
How long does it take for radon to cause health problems?
Lung cancer from radon typically develops over years to decades of exposure. There is no immediate health effect—radon-related lung cancer results from cumulative exposure over time.
Are non-smokers at risk from radon?
Yes. While smokers face higher risk, non-smokers can also develop radon-induced lung cancer. The EPA estimates that radon causes about 2,900 lung cancer deaths annually among people who have never smoked.
Can you test for radon exposure in your body?
There is no practical test for radon exposure in the human body. Home testing is the way to assess your exposure risk. If you've lived in a home with elevated radon, discuss your history with a healthcare provider.
Reduce Your Exposure Risk
The first step to reducing radon exposure is testing. Contact us to discuss testing your home.
Related Topics
Radon Testing
The first step to protecting your family is testing your home for radon.
Mitigation Systems
Effective systems to reduce radon levels and lower health risks.
Atlanta Radon Levels
Understand radon levels in Atlanta and what they mean for your health.
Granite Geology
Why Atlanta's granite bedrock contributes to elevated radon levels.
High Radon Areas
Identify areas in Metro Atlanta with higher radon potential.
Radon Safety Resources
Expert insights and guides to keep you informed
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