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Among those that tested for and found high levels of radon, 38% mitigated quickly, 29% reported economic impediments, and 33% displayed delaying behaviours. Economic barriers and delaying behaviours resulted in 8.4 mSv/year or 10.3 mSv/year long term excess exposure, respectively, increasing lifetime risk of lung cancer by ~ 30–40%
Radon entry in Canadian Homes is largely due to soil conditions. Recent surveys have found that homes with basements are twice as likely to have elevated radon levels than without, and homes with private wells more likely to have elevated levels as well.
Radon exposure is rising steadily within the modern North American residential environment, and its increasingly uniform across the seasons
Younger North Americans are exposed to more radon gas due to an occupancy biases within the residential built environment
Genetic mutations caused by chronic exposure of lung cells to alpha particles from radon gas decay drive cancer formation. As with all cancers, radon-induced lung cancer forms when a genetically compromised cell grows, divides and/or spreads unchecked through the body. The higher the number of genetic mutations thee more likely the chance an individual has of developing cancer.
Lung cancer risk associated with indoor exposure to radon gas increases for smokers and recent ex-smokers, and indicate that it is responsible for about 25 of all deaths from cancer in Europe.
Active depressurization systems were found in this study to reduce exposure to indoor radon concentrations by 85%.
Sub-slab depressurization and sump-pit depressurization radon mitigation systems are more effective than sealing, membrane, block and beam, simple ventilation or filtration.
Damage caused by radon gas alpha particle radiation exposure can, dependent on the dose, take between 10-30 years before the diagnosis of lung cancer is determined.
Radon levels were previously assumed to be higher consistently in winter. The latest research indicates that 47.5% of buildings showed a minimal difference in summertime readings.
Smoking enhances the air concentration of smoking related air contaminants and makes the development of lung cancer more likely to occur.
Indoor Radon exposure is dangerous, dose cumulative and a significant source of risk to human health.
Radon decay products concentrated in indoor air increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer