Radon poisoning occurs when you become exposed to dangerously high levels of radon, an odorless and colorless naturally occurring radioactive gas.
Radon is created when uranium, a radioactive element, breaks down in the soil, rocks and water in the environment. It is then released into the air. When you breathe in excessive levels of radon, it can increase your risk of serious conditions like lung cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Radon poisoning is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Breathing in normal amounts of radon does not cause cancer, but you can develop lung cancer after years of living or working in a building with dangerously high levels of radon. Cancer may develop more quickly in people who currently smoke or have smoked in the past and also live in homes with high radon levels.
Radon molecules can bind to dust. When inhaled, it causes symptoms such as irritation and inflammation. It can also cause cell damage, increasing the risk of lung cancer. Common signs of lung cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Loss of appetite
- Unexpected weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
Exposure to high levels of radon can also increase the risk of emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that makes breathing difficult.
The air sacs in the lungs should expand when you breathe in (breathe in) and deflate when you breathe out (breathe out). In people with emphysema, some of these air sacs are damaged, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Air can also become trapped in the lungs.
People with early-stage emphysema may have no symptoms. As the condition worsens, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Coughing up large amounts of mucus
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Swelling of feet, ankles and legs
- Unintentional weight loss
Radon poisoning can also lead to chronic interstitial pneumoniaa lung disease that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. This type of pneumonia can last for a long time and lead to lung damage. Possible signs of chronic interstitial pneumonia include:
- Persistent dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing problems
- Fever
- Unintentional weight loss
- Flu-like symptoms
Radon exposure damages the lungs and can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic medical condition that causes scarring of the lungs. This scar makes it difficult for your body to get enough oxygen. Common signs of pulmonary fibrosis include:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Muscle pain
Children living in homes with high radon levels can also develop radon poisoning. Children can inhale more radon than adults because they breathe faster and have smaller lungs, leading to higher levels of radon in the body.
Radon poisoning in children may also increase their risk of developing childhood leukemia, although more research is needed to understand this link. Early symptoms of leukemia in children include easy bruising and bleeding, fatigue, fever, and frequent infections.
Radon poisoning does not cause symptoms in itself, but it increases the risk of certain chronic health conditions. Exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of stroke in people assigned female at birth. About 60% of stroke deaths occur in women, so this statistical link is important to keep in mind.
Symptoms of a stroke include face drooping, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking. Women may also have more vague symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and confusion.
Radon poisoning is not contagious, but it increases the risk of serious respiratory health conditions such as lung cancer and emphysema. These conditions cause coughing, which can release respiratory droplets into the air. Respiratory droplets can carry bacteria and viruses that spread disease.
To reduce the chances of spreading the infection by coughing, try covering your mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
Radon poisoning does not cause any physical signs or symptoms, so it can be difficult to know when to contact your doctor.
To understand if you are at risk of radon poisoning, have your home tested by a professional. It is also important to see your doctor if you develop symptoms such as a persistent cough, hoarseness, coughing up blood, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Radon poisoning occurs when you are exposed to high levels of radon (an odorless and colorless toxic gas) over a long period of time.
Although radon poisoning itself does not cause symptoms, it can increase the risk of serious conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema, and pneumonia. Common symptoms of these conditions include coughing and shortness of breath. Although this may seem harmless at first, it is important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and testing.