Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the EPA

Ubiquitous Radon Cause of Many Lung Cancer Deaths - Reeve’s Lung Cancer Death Begs Question “What About Those Who Don’t Smoke?”

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Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the EPA. Found in nearly 1 in 15 homes, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, resulting in about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Testing for radon in homes, businesses, or schools is simple, and if levels are high, a radon professional can install a correction system usually for under $1000.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) March 11, 2006 -- Actress Dana Reeve’s death by lung cancer recently didn’t necessarily shock Americans; the wife of deceased actor Christopher Reeve announced her illness several months ago. The shocking thing, as evidenced by the exclamations of media personnel and even doctors, is that “She didn’t even smoke!”

But according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even though smoking causes the majority of Lung Cancer deaths each year (approximately 160,000), radon exposure causes an astounding 21,000 Lung Cancer deaths each year. Second-hand smoke, although frequently mentioned, comes in a very distant third as being attributed to approximately 3,000 Lung Cancer deaths each year.

The Debate On Radon:
There is no debate about radon being a lung carcinogen in humans. All major national and international organizations that have examined the health risks of radon agree that it is a lung carcinogen. The scientific community continues to conduct research to refine our understanding of the precise number of deaths attributable to radon. The National Academy of Sciences BEIR VI Report has estimated that radon causes about 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths annually based on their two-preferred models. Major scientific organizations continue to believe that approximately 12% of lung cancers annually in the United States are attributable to radon.

In the U.S., nearly 1 in 15 homes have radon levels higher than the action level of 4pCi/l. Each pCi/l has been compared to each family member smoking 2 cigarettes a day. So a home with a radon level of 10 means that each family member is receiving radiation equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day!

The U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA recommend every home be tested for radon at least every other year.

Testing your home, business, or school for radon is simple. A licensed professional can perform a test for between $75 and $150. Do-it-yourself test kits are also available through most hardware and builder supply stores for around $25. If radon levels are found to be dangerous, there are simple steps to reduce them. Most Radon Correction Systems can be installed for under $1000 and take less than a day to complete.