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The Effects of Radon Gas on Humans
The peculiarity of the way radon gas affects humans is based on the difference between its chemistry and its physics, according to a 1995 United States Geological Survey report.
Chemically, radon is what chemists call a "noble gas." It is chemically inert, entering into no known biochemical process in the human body.
Radioactivity, however, is not a chemical process, but a process controlled by physics. A radon atom's nucleus is unstable. It disintegrates, emitting alpha radiation and the radioactive metal polonium, which is chemically reactive in the body.
In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated 21,000 cancer deaths resulted from radon inhalation every year 2. It is colorless and tasteless and undetectable to human senses.
The Stealth Effect
According the U.S. Geological Survey, radioactive decay of tiny amounts of uranium and radium in soils and household stonework produce minute amounts of radon. Radon diffuses through your foundation and accumulates inside your home. Radon also enters in water from deep wells.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says there are no short-term effects of radon, but you may be breathing it unaware for many years. Radiation damage is cumulative.
- According the U.S. Geological Survey, radioactive decay of tiny amounts of uranium and radium in soils and household stonework produce minute amounts of radon.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says there are no short-term effects of radon, but you may be breathing it unaware for many years.
Lung Cancer
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Breathing radon for many years eventually raises your risk of developing lung cancer 1. According to the Surgeon General of the United States, only cigarette smoking causes more lung cancer than radon in the United States. Physicians at the Mayo Clinic also recognize radon as a known lung cancer agent in their patient population 1. They advise home testing to detect accumulations of radon.
In January 2009, the EPA published guidelines for indoor-air radon testing and hazards. A radiation level of 1.3 picocuries per liter of air is predicted to cause lung cancer in two people out of every 1,000. Radiation over 2 picocuries per liter of air triggers EPA recommendations for remediation, usually by enhanced ventilation, water treatment and removal of low-level radiation sources. If radiation reaches 4 picocuries, EPA estimates as many as seven people out of 1,000 may develop lung cancer, comparable to the rate of auto fatalities.
- Breathing radon for many years eventually raises your risk of developing lung cancer 1.
- If radiation reaches 4 picocuries, EPA estimates as many as seven people out of 1,000 may develop lung cancer, comparable to the rate of auto fatalities.
Stomach Cancer
According to the EPA's 2009 report, deep wells often penetrate deep mineral deposits where radon is continually produced and its product polonium may accumulate. This water contamination increases a user's lifetime risk for stomach cancer. About 168 cancer deaths occur every year from this cause, based on EPA estimates. Stomach cancer accounts for 11% of these cases. Lung cancer accounts for the other 89%. Household activities such as showering and washing liberate radon into the air, explaining water's effect on the lung cancer statistics.
The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 prompted the EPA to devise new regulations for technology to eliminate radon from household water. Point-of-entry water treatment extracts radon outdoors, yielding safe water inside the home. Point-of-use water treatment is placed at every tap. Dishwashers and washing machines may be left unprotected if additional installations and costs are not planned.
- According to the EPA's 2009 report, deep wells often penetrate deep mineral deposits where radon is continually produced and its product polonium may accumulate.
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References
- Mayo Clinic: Lung Cancer Risk Factors
- Environmental Protection Agency: A Citizen's Guide to Radon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. What is radon gas? Is it dangerous? 2020.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem. Compound summary CID 24857, Radon.
- American Cancer Society. Radon and Cancer. Updated September 23, 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protect yourself and your family from radon. Updated January 8, 2020.
- RadonResources.com. Are there state radon laws that require testing and mitigation? July 27. 2016.
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Writer Bio
Walt Pickut has published peer-reviewed medical research since 1971. Pickut teaches presentational speaking and holds board registries in respiratory care and sleep technology. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Society of Business Publication Editors and is editor for "The Jamestown Gazette." Pickut holds bachelor's degrees in biology and communication, and master's degrees in physiology and mass communication.