How Radon Raises Lung Cancer Risk—What You Should Know
It’s colorless, odorless, and it raises your risk of lung cancer. Radon gas is a hidden threat that can affect anyone, even those who have never smoked. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Because it seeps naturally from the ground into homes and buildings, many people are exposed without ever realizing it. Over time, breathing in radon can damage lung tissue and increase the likelihood of cancer—making awareness, testing, and early detection essential steps in protecting your health.
What is Radon and Why Is it Harmful?
Radon forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Because it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, it often goes unnoticed until homes or building are tested. Once indoors, radon can accumulate in enclosed spaces, where it may be inhaled over time. The radioactive particles damage lung tissue, and the risk of cancer grows with both the length and level of exposure. For people who also smoke, radon exposure compounds the risk, making it far more dangerous than either factor alone.
Why Radon is Hard to Detect
One of the greatest challenges with radon is that there are no warning signs. It does not cause unique symptoms, and lung cancers linked to radon exposure appear just like those caused by smoking or other factors. That’s why prevention and early detection are so critical. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action if radon levels in a home exceed 4 picocuries per liter of air, while the World Health Organization advises lowering levels starting at 3.
Taking Action to Protect Your Family
The good news is that radon testing is simple and affordable. Test kits are widely available, and if high levels are found, mitigation strategies can dramatically reduce risk. Some of these include sealing cracks, improving ventilation, or installing specialized systems.
Test your home. Even if you don’t suspect radon, it’s worth testing. This is especially important if you live in a basement, lower-level apartment, or older home.
Fix high levels quickly. Certified mitigation professionals can reduce radon concentrations to safer levels with proven methods.
Talk to your doctor. If you’ve had long-term radon exposure—or if you smoke in addition to being exposed—speak with your healthcare provider about lung cancer screening.
Stay informed. Knowing your environment and risks helps you take charge of your health.
Our Commitment
At Cizzle Bio, we are committed to making early cancer detection a reality. By sharing facts about risks like radon exposure, we can empower individuals and families to take action sooner—because early detection of lung cancer saves lives.
To learn more about our groundbreaking test for early detection of lung cancer, please visit: www.cizzlebio.com
