Survey: Most adults do not test homes for radon exposure, unconcerned about risks

Key takeaways:

• Overall, 55% of respondents were not concerned about radon exposure in their homes, schools or community.
• There are several ways to test for and reduce radon exposure, like increasing air flow.

Most adults have not tested their homes for radon, nor have they taken action to reduce radon exposure despite its link to cancer, a survey showed.

“I think most people have generally dismissed radon as [a] real risk factor for lung cancer, especially in non-smokers,” David Carbone, MD, PhD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — James Thoracic Oncology Center, told Healio. “I am not surprised that many people are either unaware of radon as a risk factor, or if aware, are unconcerned about mitigating radon in their homes. Lung cancer is a very difficult diagnosis, so it's really important to take steps to reduce your risk where you can.”

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, contributing to around 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year.

About 6 million homes in the U.S. have radon levels above the EPA-recommended level of 4 picocuries per liter, according to CDC data.

Overall, 1,006 respondents participated in the survey. Among the respondents:

• 48% were not aware of the risks for radon in their home;
• 75% said they have not had their home tested for radon;
• 55% were not concerned about radon exposure in their home, community or schools; and
• 67% have not taken action to reduce radon exposure in their home.

According to a press release, symptoms of lung cancer can include generally not feeling well or feeling tired all the time, frequent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pains or coughing up blood.

Carbone said that anyone whose symptoms are not improving after initial treatment should insist on being examined, regardless of age.

The health effects of radon are cumulative and may be delayed by decades, the release said.

“The gas is radioactive, producing a high energy particle that can damage the DNA of cells in your lung when you breathe it in that can lead to cancer,” Carbone said. “Everyone who breathes in radon over a long period of time is vulnerable.”

He also pointed out that radon exposure is not only hazardous in homes, but also in schools and offices.

“Much of our lives are also spent at work or school, and many of these environments are untested and may have high radon levels,” he explained. “I encourage everyone to talk to their employers or children’s schools about testing, and encourage local and state legislators to require testing in homes, schools, and places of employment.”

The release outlined several ways to test for and reduce radon exposure, which include:

• installing an outside radon remediation system that sucks air from the basement;
• increasing air flow by opening windows and using fans and vents; and
• sealing cracks in floors, ceilings and foundations.

“Everyone should test their home for radon every few years,” Carbone said. “Levels can change and additional mitigation steps might be needed.”

References:

• Health risk of radon. https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon. Accessed April 10, 2024.
• Survey: Half of Americans are unaware of a cancer-causing threat in their home. https://james.multimedia-newsroom.com/index.php/2024/04/11/survey-half-of-americans-are-unaware-of-a-cancer-causing-threat-in-their-home/. Published April 11, 2024. Accessed April 11, 2024.
• Who is at risk of radon exposure? https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/radon/who_risk.html. Accessed April 10, 2024.