How is Radon Harmful?
The U.S. EPA classifies radon as a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon may increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. It is believed that tobacco smokers who are exposed to high radon levels account for a large percentage of the lung cancer deaths believed to be associated with radon exposure in the United States. Therefore, the risk is substantially less for nonsmoker. Exposure to radon does not result in any immediate symptoms. For example, it does not result in acute respiratory effects such as colds or allergies. Any cancer resulting from inhaling radon is not likely to arise for at least 20-30 years after exposure begins and both the level of exposure and duration of exposure are factors which determine the risk of developing lung cancer.
