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Long-Term Effects of Radon

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that permeates the environment. Radon levels concentrate in indoor environments, and inhalation of radon has been proven to cause lung cancer. Radon is classified as a Type A carcinogen, the most potent category of cancer-causing agents according to the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CERT).



The safe level of radon exposure is unknown, stresses the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Risk increases with prolonged exposure, reports University of Minnesota Environmental Health Sciences (ENHS). Besides cancer, radon exposure is also associated with other respiratory conditions such as emphysema, according to ENHS.

  1. Lung Cancer

    • Radioactive particles decay in the lungs before they can be excreted.

      Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non --smokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall, reports the EPA. Radon interacts with cigarette smoking to increase cancer risk. Lung cancers associated with radon exposure include adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma.

      Radon gas decays quickly and its decay products stick to lung tissue, exposing the lungs to radiation. The radiation destroys lung cells and causes genetic mutations that can lead to cancer reports CERT.

    Other Respiratory Diseases

    • Radon may cause lung scarring which results in reduced oxygen levels.

      Long-term radon exposure has been linked to the development of emphysema, chronic interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory lesions, according to ENHS. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The air sacs in the lung can become damaged by radon gas, depriving the body of oxygen.

      Respiratory lesions are areas of scar tissue that form in the lungs, decreasing lung function. Pulmonary fibrosis is also a type of scarring that occurs in the lung. The thick scar tissue results in thick and stiff lungs.

      Chronic interstitial pneumonia is thought to begin with injury to the air sacs of the lungs. Immune system cells proliferate in the area, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Eventually, cells proliferate, causing buildup of fibrous tissue in the lungs.

    Genetic Effects

    • Radon exposure can potentially cause DNA mutations.

      Radon gas exposure results in mutations of chromosomes. It is a genotoxic substance, meaning that it may damage DNA in ways that can lead to cancer and may have other unknown long-term effects. Radon gas is also teratogenic, reports ENHS; it may disturb the development of an embryo or fetus, end a pregnancy or cause birth defects.

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