Even if you've never smoked a cigarette, you still run the risk of lung cancer if you're exposed to radon gas in your home. Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Iowa College of Public Health confirmed that long-term exposure to radon significantly increases the chances of developing lung cancer, Science Daily reports. An odorless gas, radon damages the lungs when it emits radioactive alpha particles in the lungs. And the risk from radon is rising because more energy-efficient homes restrict the amount of air that escapes through windows and cracks.
Radon seeps into houses through the ground.
In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in the upper Midwest, although the risk of exposure varies greatly throughout the country. A radon zone map from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows where the concentrations are highest. The map covers all 50 states, plus the island of Guam. Those who live in areas where the risk is highest should consider testing their homes for radon. The agency's list of frequently asked questions about radon describes how radon causes lung cancer and reviews recent research on the subject.