Effects of Radon Gases on Human Health<br />What is rado?<br />Radon is a natural radioactive gas that has no smell, color or taste, resulting from the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in rocks and all types of soils, and can be found in water as well. During respiration, these molecules are deposited on the cells lining the airways, where they can damage DNA and potentially cause lung cancer. The average concentration of radon in the open air 1 is between 5 and 15 Bq/m3. In contrast, radon concentrations in indoor spaces and poorly ventilated areas are higher, with the highest levels occurring in places such as mines, caves and water treatment facilities. Radon concentrations in buildings such as homes, schools and offices can vary greatly from 10 Bq/m3 to more than 10,000 Bq/m3. Given the properties of radon, residents of those buildings may live or work in them unaware that radon concentration levels are very high.<br />Effects of radon on health<br />Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. It is estimated that radon causes between 3 and 14% of all lung cancer cases in a country, depending on the average concentration of this gas nationwide and smoking prevalence rates. An increase in lung cancer rates was observed for the first time among uranium miners exposed to very high radon concentrations. In addition, studies in Europe, North America and China have confirmed that radon concentrations, even when low, such as those in the indoor air, also pose significant risks and contribute to lung cancer worldwide. The higher the long-term average radon concentration by 100 Bq/m3, the higher the risk of lung cancer by 16%. It is assumed that the dose-response relationship is linear, i.e. the risk of lung cancer increases exponentially with increased exposure to radon. In fact, it is estimated that smokers are 25 times more likely to have radon risk than non-smokers. No risks have yet been identified for other cancers or other health effects, although inhaled radon can deliver radiation to other organs, but at a much lower level than the lungs.<br /> <br />What are the symptoms of exposure to radon?<br />Exposure to radon does not trigger symptoms immediately and it can take decades for health conditions associated with exposure to develop. Testing the buildings where you live or work is the only way to know if you're exposed to radon over time, exposure can lead to lung cancer, which can cause symptoms such as coughing, coughing with blood mucus, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or shortness of breath. But most often, no symptoms appear until lung cancer progresses to a later stage.<br />How is radon exposure diagnosed?<br />There's no way your health care provider can examine you to see how exposed you are to radon. But you can have a scan of your home to determine if radon levels are higher than recommended levels If your home is found to have high levels of radon, talk to your health care provider about this exposure. If you smoke or have smoked before, ask a health care provider about lung cancer screening to help detect lung tumors early.<br />Radon Risk Prevention<br />1-Radon level testing: Home testing for radon levels is the first and most important step. Radon testers can be purchased in stores or hire specialists to do so.<br />2-Good ventilation: Improving home ventilation can help reduce radon concentration. Cellars and enclosed spaces should be well ventilated.<br />3-Closing cracks: Closing cracks and gaps in floors and walls can prevent radon from leaking into the home.<br />Use of the radon reduction system:<br />Special systems to reduce radon levels can be installed in homes with elevated levels of this gas.<br />- Periodic testing: It is preferable to have radon levels tested periodically, especially if there are structural changes at home.<br />- Awareness: Raising awareness about the dangers of radon and the importance of testing it can help protect public health.<br />- By applying these procedures and tips, the risk of radon exposure can be reduced and the health of the family protected