Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer, and the time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years. Asbestos - Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks. There are several kinds of asbestos fibers, all of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. Most homes more than 20 years old are likely to contain asbestos. Sources include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fireproofing or acoustical material and floor tiles.
Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer.
This mixture contains more then 4,000 substances, more then 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals and many of which are strong irritants. Exposure to secondhand smoke is called involuntary smoking, or passive smoking. EPA estimates that ETS causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers each year. Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk to children. EPA estimates that passive smoking is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year.