Exposure to radon over a long period of time increases the risk of lung cancer, especially if the levels of radon are high and if the person is a smoker.
Parameters affecting risk:
(1) duration of exposure
(2) radon levels (expressed in picoCuries per liter)
(3) nonsmoker vs smoker vs former smoker
Radon Level Exposure over a Lifetime |
Rate of developing lung cancer if a nonsmoker |
Rate of developing lung cancer if a smoker |
0.4 pCi/L |
< 1 per 1000 |
3 per 1000 |
1.3 pCi/L |
< 1 per 1000 |
9 per 1000 |
2 pCi/L |
1 per 1000 |
15 per 1000 |
4 pCi/L |
2 per 1000 |
29 per 1000 |
8 pCi/L |
3 per 1000 |
57 per 1000 |
10 pCi/L |
4 per 1000 |
71 per 1000 |
20 pCi/L |
8 per 1000 |
135 per 1000 |
If the person is a former smoker, then the risk is intermediate between that of a nonsmoker and that of the smoker, depending on the amount smoked and duration of use.
Units of radioactivity:
• conventional units: picocuries per liter
• SI units: 37 becquerels per cubic meter
• 1 pCi/L = 37 Bq per m^3 (1 curie = 3.7 * 10^10 becquerels; pico = 10^(-12); 1 liter = 0.001 cubic meters
Actions which can reduce the risk of developing lung cancer:
(1) If the person is a smoker, then smoking should be stopped as soon as possible.
(2) Measure radon in the home or environment:
(2a) If the radon levels are >= 4 pCi/L, then the home should be fixed to reduce radon levels.
(2b) If radon levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L, then consider fixing the home.
(2c) Radon levels < 2 pCi/L is hard to reduce further.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology