THE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF RADON EXPOSURE IN PEOPLE

RADON

• A colorless gas with no odor or taste
• It is radioactive and carcinogenic
• Discovered in 1900 by German chemist Friedrich Ernst Dorn
• Naturally occurring in rocks and soil

RADON EXPOSURE

• Because radon is naturally occurring, exposure is unavoidable
• It is only harmful in concentrations over 4.0 PCI/L
• Radon is present in homes, especially in basements or poorly vented homes
• The Upper Midwest has the highest concentration of radon in America

EFFECTS OF RADON

• Causes lung cancer - over 20,000 cases anually
• Causes stomach cancer if radon is in drinking water - 14% of all stomach cancer cases
• When radon is inhaled, it attaches to the lungs and releases radiation and can cause cancerous tumors and/or damage DNA cell

WHO'S AT RISK?

• Men have a higher risk than women to develop lung cancer from radon exposure
• Those with lung conditions and chronic diseases, like asthma have a greater risk
• Smokers have the highest risk
• Anyone who lives in the Midwest

TESTING FOR RADON

• The EPA has issued test kits to measure the concentration of radon in buildings and homes
• Treatment for homes and buildings involve sealing the foundation
• There are two ways to treat radon in water:
• Granular activated carbon filters - uses activated carbon to remove the radon - cheaper, but potentially dangerous if the person inhales the radon on the filter
• Aeration devices - bubble air through water and carry radon gas out into the atmosphere through and exhaust fan

CONCLUSIONS

• I believe awareness of radon exposure needs to be raised. If it is, there will be less lung cancer cases due to radon exposure
• I think anyone living in an older home, a home with a basement, or living in the Midwest should test their homes