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Kentucky state residents may be surprised to know that the state has the highest rate of lung cancer and related deaths in the entire country. In fact, the death rate of lung cancer in the state is 56% higher than the national average. Some counties have death rates that are more than double the average.
Every year more than 3,500 Kentucky residents lose their lives to lung cancer.
For the most part, this can be attributed to the fact that the smoking rate of adults in the state is about 28%. When all is said and done, tobacco smoke isn’t the only cause of such frequent occurrences of lung cancer in the state. At the very least, the issue is augmented by other carcinogens.
However, lung cancer is also prominent in non-smokers because of those same carcinogens. In addition to high rates of arsenic and chromium in the air – as shown in research conducted by Tucker – central Kentucky also has the highest potential for radon gas in the entire country. This information is readily available at the US EPA website, and has been known for quite some time.
Some of the carcinogens may be from manufacturing plants and factories in the area, but radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps up into homes, residences and businesses from the soil. Radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless. The only way to know whether or not it exists in abundance is to test specifically for it.
If radon levels in a residence exceed 4.0 pCi/L – the limit as recommended by the US EPA – then action should be taken immediately to reduce them. With the state seeing the highest rate of lung cancer in the country, action is certainly necessary.
Smoking is Not the Only Problem
Smoking is definitely a big issue, as it’s responsible for nearly eighty to ninety percent of lung cancer cases. However, many of those affected have either never smoked, or have abstained from the habit for quite some time. That is because they’re problem was likely caused by other carcinogens, like radon, asbestos and the like.
Even worse, those who have smoked – or have been exposed to secondhand smoke – are more at risk for cancer after coming into contact with radon. There’s little evidence to prove the same pattern with other carcinogens, but there may be an increase in risk if exposed to them as well.
The real issue involves time. The longer you are exposed to these carcinogens the more likely you’ll contract cancer. Time also plays a direct role in why lung cancer deaths are so high. Most lung cancer is not diagnosed until later stages of the disease, because that’s when a lot of the symptoms begin to show. Unfortunately, that also happens to be at a time when the survival rate is low.
You’re more likely to survive if the cancer is discovered early, just like you’re more likely to be healthy if you discover the existence of these carcinogens early – and then take action.
Test for the Presence of Carcinogens and Then Take Action if Necessary
It is recommended that you perform at least two air sample tests in your home every year. This is because the concentration of radon in a residence or building can fluctuate. The best times to test are during winter and summer. If one of the short term tests do indicate elevated radon levels, you might want to perform a long term test too, which involves collecting an indoor air sample for longer than 90 days. Long term tests will give a more accurate reading of the average radon levels in a residence.
If levels are found to be higher than the recommended limit, you need to take action immediately. In that case, you should schedule a consultation with a certified radon mitigation contractor. They will help you install a mitigation system that is designed to filter and clean the air in your home, or more specifically remove radon.
It should be noted however, that even after a mitigation system has been installed regular tests are still important.
It’s Time to Quit Smoking
While the aforementioned carcinogens are dangerous and require attention, the best way to reduce your risk of developing cancer is still to quit smoking. If you live in the state of Kentucky – or anywhere for that matter – and smoke regularly, then you should quit as soon as possible.
If you find it difficult to break your smoking habit, there are places where you can turn for help. You can always call the American Lung Association (ALA) Lung Help Line at (800) 586-4872 or visit the ALA website.
Via: The Courier Journal
