Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Non-Smoker radon risk is higher than you’d think. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented.
Radon Risk
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking causes an estimated 160,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. every year. And the rate among women is rising. A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of lung cancer.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.
Smokers have a higher risk of dying from radon-related lung cancer than non-smokers. Lung cancer due to smoking and radon can be prevented. Lung cancer kills more people than prostate, pancreas, breast, and colon cancers combined. If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.
Radon Risk if you have Never Smoked:
If 1,000 people were exposed to this level over a lifetime*, this number of people could get lung cancer:
20 pCi/L About 36 people; 35 times the risk of drowning
10 pCi/L About 18 people; 20 times the risk of dying in a fire
8 pCi/L About 15 people; 4 times the risk of dying in a fall
4 pCi/L About 7 people; The risk of dying in a car crash
2 pCi/L About 4 people; The risk of dying from poison
1.3 pCi/L About 2 people; Average indoor radon level
0.4 pCi/L Very small; Average outdoor radon level
Radon Risk if you Smoke:
If 1,000 people were exposed to this level over a lifetime*, this number of people could get lung cancer:
20 pCi/L About 260 people; 250 times the risk of drowning
10 pCi/L About 150 people; 200 times the risk of dying at home
8 pCi/L About 120 people; 30 times the risk of dying in a fall
4 pCi/L About 62 people; 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash
2 pCi/L About 32 people; 6 times the risk of dying from poison
1.3 pCi/L About 20 people; Average indoor radon level
0.4 pCi/L About 3 people; Average outdoor radon level
* Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).
Test Your Home for Radon
Order a Test Kit and see if your home has radon. Smoker or non-smoker, radon risk can be very high. Find out if your home has radon. Save your family from exposure.
