Radon Exposure (Poisoning)

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• QWhat is radon and how am I exposed to it?

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  A The Society of Thoracic Surgeons answered

  Radon is a gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium which may be present in minute traces both in dirt and water. This gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible. Radon is everywhere and is found both in outdoor and indoor air. We are all exposed to it on regular basis. 

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• QHow can radon exposure affect my risk of developing cancer?

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  A LIVESTRONG answered

  We all breathe a certain level of radon gas every day, usually at very low levels. It is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that seeps up through the ground and diffuses into the air. Radon is a radioactive gas released from the normal decay of uranium in rocks and soil. In a few locations, depending on the geology of the area, radon dissolves into ground water and can be released into the air when the water is used. Radon gas usually exists at very low levels outdoors. 
  
  Those who inhale high levels of radon are at an increased risk for developing lung cancer. Ongoing exposure to radon gas is the second most common risk factor for lung cancer. Researchers generally agree that 5 to 10 percent of all lung cancer cases are directly caused by radon gas. Smokers who are exposed to radon gas long term, have an even greater risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers with similar exposure.
• QHow might I be exposed to high levels radon?

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  A LIVESTRONG answered

  Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and collect indoors. Radon gas can also be released from building materials or from water obtained from wells that contain radon. Radon levels may be higher in homes that are well insulated, tightly sealed or built on uranium-rich soil. Because of closeness to the ground, basement and first floors in a house typically have the highest radon levels.
• QHow is the general population exposed to radon?

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  A Riverside Cancer Care Center answered

  Radon is present in nearly all air. Everyone breathes radon in every day, usually at very low levels. However, people who inhale high levels of radon are at an increased risk for developing lung cancer.

  Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and collect indoors. It can also be released from building materials, or from water obtained from wells that contain radon. Radon levels can be higher in homes that are well insulated, tightly sealed, and/or built on uranium-rich soil. Because of their closeness to the ground, basement and first floors typically have the highest radon levels.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.