Radon gas can enter homes through their foundations.
Radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Lung cancer is the only proven symptom of radon exposure. Besides lung cancer, there are no other radon exposure signs or symptoms. You will not experience other bodily symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, headaches or rashes.
The Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases (ATSD) reports that no effective screening tests have been created for early diagnosis of lung cancer, including those cases caused by radon exposure. Radon decay products can be detected in bone and lung tissue and urine, but the tests cannot be used to predict the development of adverse health conditions.
ATSD does publish a system, however, for evaluating radon exposure and a patient's possibility of developing lung cancer.
Exposure History
Radon exposure is higher for certain workers, such as miners.
Evaluating how much radon a person has been exposed to can alert doctors to possible increased risk for lung cancer. A work history and home evaluation can provide clues to the amount of radon exposure a person might have encountered. Certain occupations, such as mining, result in increased radon exposure.
Asking questions about the age of a patient's home, the number of gas appliances in the home and how they are vented, average time spent in the basement of the home and the types of foundation and ventilation can help make create estimates of radon exposure. Tests may be done to detect radon levels in the home.
Medical History
Cigarette smoking greatly increases radon effects and lung cancer risk.
Family history of lung cancer and the presence of smokers in the home can help doctors make an evaluation of radon exposure and lung cancer risk. Cigarette smoke increases radon health effects.
Lung function is the most important thing to consider when compiling medical history, according to ATSD. Although no radon exposure signs or symptoms have been documented, problems with lung function may point to increased risk over the long term.
Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Chronic coughing may be a sign of lung cancer.
Although there are no irritating or warning effects linked to radon exposure, signs of lung cancer may include chest pain, coughing up blood, persistent coughing and shortness of breath or wheezing. Lung cancer can cause changes in fingertip shape, chronic pneumonia or enlarged lymph nodes. About 25 percent of people with lung cancer do not exhibit symptoms when diagnosed.
Radon Exposure Research
A combination of tests may one day detect early radon exposure.
Future tests for radon exposure and lung cancer may include chest X-rays, low-dose computerized tomography, sputum tests or some combination of these tests, reports ATSD, but it's unclear whether early detection will help prevent lung cancer deaths caused by radon exposure.
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