The City of Des Moines, Iowa by Ron Reiring

There is a stigma associated with lung cancer, which alludes to it being solely a smoker’s disease. Unfortunately, that belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Pulmonary Specialist Dr. Brad Wilcox – who works for CIC Associates in Des Moines, Iowa – says that there is another significant cause for lung cancer.

“I think it certainly still exists that smoking is the only cause of lung cancer and I think it’s one of those things we need to get more public awareness that certainly radon exposure is a leading risk factor for lung cancer.”

Believe it or not, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in many countries – the first in non-smokers. In the U.S. alone it is responsible for the deaths of more than 21,000 each year. While there is a correlation between smoking and radon exposure – the risk for lung cancer increases when exposed to both elements – people who have never smoked a day in their life can still be affected by radon and as a result lung cancer. The most unfortunate part is that most people have absolutely no idea about radon.

Lung Cancer Survivors Speak Up About Radon

“In September 2010, I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and I was 39 when I was diagnosed. As a non-smoker and not around second hand smoke, yes I was very shocked it was lung,” says Lori Tassen, a mother of four.

After being diagnosed, she learned from friends about the existence of radon – a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can directly cause lung cancer due to long term exposure. Naturally, Tassen began researching radon and its associated dangers, and now she’s working to boost awareness about the problem.

“I’m hoping that we can raise awareness that in Iowa, especially lung cancer, doesn`t always come from smoking.”

It’s not just a problem isolated to Iowa, however. Radon can exist anywhere, regardless of geographical location. Since it’s a natural decay product of Uranium and other elements, which commonly exist in the soil and earth below our feet there’s no place immune to its presence. The deadly gas seeps into residences and buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring. Once inside, it collects in great amounts subjecting those who spend their time within to serious health issues. You see, radon has also been linked to a great deal of pulmonary diseases and disorders, as well.

About Radon Mitigation: How You Deal with Elevated Levels 

After Tassen became familiar with the problem she had her home tested for radon. It’s a virtually indetectable gas, but it can be discovered with proprietary testing equipment. Luckily, homeowners can purchase DIY tests online or at a local hardware store. You can also hire a certified radon professional to test your residence if you would rather go that route.

Tassen’s test returned elevated levels, so she had a mitigation system installed. Essentially, it’s a ventilation system that sucks radon out of the home and vents it safely outdoors.

Iowa is one of the areas of the country with the most potential for radon. As a result, local doctors know enough to inform their patients about it during a screening process.

“It’s part of our normal screening process now when patients come in we do ask them if they’ve been tested or their home tested for radon exposure and we talk to them about it,” says Dr. Wilcox.

Raising awareness about radon shouldn’t just be up to health physicians, however. The best way to help is to inform friends, family and colleagues about radon. Encourage others to read up on the deadly gas and its associated dangers. Everyone should also be familar with testing procedures and mitigation, of particular note is that both tasks are not expensive. It’s a common myth that radon can be a costly problem. Mitigation – which is the most expensive task related to radon – is not expensive at all, especially when you consider the health benefits of a clean indoor environment. A DIY radon test kit can be purchased for about $30, while the average price of a radon mitigation system – and installation – averages about $1,000-$2,500 depending on the home and system used.

The sooner everyone knows about radon, the sooner they can test their home and take action if there is a problem.

Via: WHO-TV