Just Because You Don't Smoke...

Recently, I heard about two separate people suffering from lung cancer. Neither one of them is, or ever was, a smoker. What neither of them knew is that there is a little known, although dangerously suspect, culprit called radon.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in the soil, exists in varying amounts at different locations. It emerges from the soil and seeps into the air, in such small amounts that it is virtually harmless as long as you are outdoors. However, indoors is a different story.

Radon is colorless, odorless and virtually undetectable except by specific radon tests. It can enter a house through the basement or foundation, especially if there are cracks or dirt floors. Depending on how well sealed your house is, the particles can travel into your living space (rather than being directed outdoors) and minute exposure over time can cause lung cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that close to 10% of European lung cancer diagnoses were radon related. It is considered the second most common form of lung cancer, right after smoking.

The good news is that elevated radon levels can be successfully managed. The first step is to test your home. It’s an easy and inexpensive test and worth doing. There are do-it-yourself kits available on-line, or, if you prefer, you can locate certified radon testers through the Environmental Protection Agency website. If elevated radon levels are found in your home, radon mitigation is usually a simple process consisting of sealing any cracks and installing ventilation.