Radon-Induced Lung Cancer: The Silent Threat to Non-Smokers

Radon, a silent threat to human health, is one of the largest sources of background radiation in our daily lives. Although invisible to the naked eye, prolonged exposure to radon can increase one’s risk of getting lung cancer. What exactly is radon and why is it a health concern? Let’s break it down.

Radon is:

• Colorless, odorless and tasteless
• A naturally-occurring radioactive gas that emanates from the ground
• The largest source of background radiation we are exposed to every day
• Group 1 carcinogen (cancer-causing agent)
• The second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking
• The number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers
• Responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.

Therefore, it is essential to test for the presence of radon in your home and take necessary precautions to reduce its levels.

It is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC; a part of the World Health Organization), meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. The connection between radon exposure and lung cancer risk has been established through epidemiological studies. The incidence of lung cancer increases with exposure to elevated levels of radon over prolonged periods.

Some forms of radioactive material can be absorbed into the body and may accumulate in the bone, but radon gas goes only to the lungs. Radon gas itself does not cause cancer, but the inhaled radon progeny (radon breakdown or decay) that causes cancer. This YouTube video details how radon gas is formed and released into the air.

Radon gas in the air breaks down (decay) into smaller radioactive elements. These radon progenies are solid and can attach to any surface. When inhaled, the radioactive elements will stick to the lining of the lungs and emit radiation. This radiation can cause changes in the DNA of lung cells, leading them to turn into cancer cells.

Read more: Radon Gas and Cancer Risk: Separating Fact From Fiction

As a non-smoker, Maria Steele was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2019. It started with persistent nightly coughs and a sensation of heaviness in her chest. At the time of diagnosis, the cancer had spread to her brain and bones. She had EGFR-positive lung cancer.

Maria lives in Iowa, one of the states with the highest average radon level in the U.S.

She had undergone radiation therapy for her brain and bone metastases. And she continues with targeted therapy daily. Additionally, she receives a bone-strengthening infusion every three months. Encouragingly, Steele has exhibited positive responses to her treatments. Read more about how Maria found out about her cancer:

https://www.lung.org/lung-force/lung-force-heroes/maria-st

https://www.mercyone.org/health-and-wellness/health-answers/radon-an-iowans-lung-cancer-journey

Maria Steele’s story highlights the serious threat of radon. Radon’s hidden nature makes it hard to detect in the air. Take this as a reminder to actively protect our lung health.

Read next: Understanding the Radon Action Level in US: Is Your Home at Risk?