What are the risks associated with the exposure of the radon?
Radon gas is odorless, odorless, invisible gas that is produced due to the disintegration of uranium present in the soil and rock. The gas can distract from the ground to the air and can also penetrate the groundwater. Radon exposure can lead to cancer if the gas exposure occurs consistently for a long time.
Radon is present in very small quantities in almost all world atmospheres. In these very low concentrations there is no risk of exposure to radon, causing toxic effects. However, in some places, such as areas where ventilation is insufficient or where there is an increased amount of radon gas, the radon concentration can approach toxic levels. Private houses and public buildings are also at risk, although the risk is much lower. In the above -ground buildings, the radon gas can promote holes and cracks in floors and walls. The most endangered buildings are those that are located near the soil that contains high uranium levels. Generally it is the basement and sThe floor floors are exposed to the greatest risk of toxic radon levels. People who work or live in such places are threatened by exposure to radon and cancer that can develop as a result.
It is known that the exhibition of chronic radon gas causes at least one type of cancer. When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles damage lung cells, causing DNA damage that cells are unable to repair. Accumulated DNA damage may eventually lead to cancer development.
lung cancer is the only cancer that has been convincingly associated with the exposure of radon gas. Although the existence of the connection is clear, the power of the connection is not entirely certain, because the radon gas is not the only cause of lung cancer. One estimate suggests that 15,000 to 22,000 people die of lung cancer caused by radonemexposition each year only in the United States.
Risk of lung cancerAs a result of the radon gas exposure, it is greater in people who smoke. Most people who die of cancer -related cancer are smokers; The reason why the combination of smoking and exposure to radon is more fatal. There is also an increased risk for people living with smokers and who are exposed to higher radon gas concentrations.