The Medical Minute: Radon’s Link to Lung Cancer

Newswise — Each year, radon kills more people than home fires, drowning, falls or drunk driving. It is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, taking some 21,000 lives annually.

Even though there are plenty of ways to decrease exposure to the radioactive element that results from the decay of uranium, many people aren’t aware of their risk or options.

Because radon is naturally present in soil, rock and water, everyone is exposed to at least low levels of it in the air we breathe. Some areas have soil with higher concentrations than others. When radon is released into enclosed structures – such as modern homes with higher energy efficiency and less ventilation – the levels can become dangerous.