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What Does Radon Do to a Person?

Radon is a radioactive, gaseous element that is formed when radium decays. Exposure to radon gas can increase a person's chance of developing lung cancer.

  1. Sources of Radon

    • Radon is found everywhere in the soil, water and air, especially in areas that are rich in uranium. It is also emitted by building materials, and can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas such as basements.

    Radon and Lung Cancer

    • Like all radioactive materials, radon is perpetually breaking down via a process called decay. When radon gas is inhaled, it enters the lungs, where it decays into alpha particles. These alpha particles release bursts of energy that can damage lung cells and cause lung cancer.

    Risks Associated With Radon

    • Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking; however, being exposed to radon does not guarantee that a person will develop cancer. Rather, being exposed to high levels of radon increases the risk that a person will develop lung cancer, often much later in life.

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