Radon awareness home
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, or water breaks down. Radon can seep into homes through cracks in floors, walls, or around pipes. High levels of radon indoors can increase the risk of lung cancer over many years.
Key facts
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
- Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home, even in the same neighbourhood.
- Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if levels are high.
- Reducing high radon levels is often straightforward and not too expensive.
Radon is present in almost all soil and can be found in homes across the country. However, high levels are more common in certain areas, depending on local geology.
Anyone living in a home with high radon levels is at increased risk of lung cancer, regardless of age or health. Smokers who are also exposed to high radon levels have a much higher risk.
Symptoms
- If you or someone else is having difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up large amounts of blood, call your local emergency number immediately.
- ⚠If you develop a persistent cough or other lung symptoms that last more than a few weeks, see a doctor within a couple of days.
Common symptoms
- Radon itself causes no immediate symptoms. The only health effect linked to long-term exposure is lung cancer.
- Symptoms of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms in children
- Children may be more sensitive to radon exposure because their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster than adults.
Symptoms in older adults
- Older adults may have a higher risk of lung cancer from radon if they have smoked or have a history of lung problems.
Causes
Main causes
- Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter homes through gaps in foundations, around pipes, or through floor drains.
- Once inside, radon can build up to high levels, especially in basements or lower floors with limited airflow.
Risk factors
- Living in an area with high natural uranium in the ground (check with local health authorities for radon risk maps).
- Having a basement or ground-floor home that is not well ventilated.
- Smoking – smoking combined with radon exposure greatly increases lung cancer risk.
- Homes built on soil that contains granite, shale, or phosphate rock.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- See a doctor urgently if you have a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks, especially if you cough up blood or have chest pain.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Talk to your doctor about your home radon test results and your personal lung cancer risk, especially if you smoke.
Diagnosis
Radon is not diagnosed in people – it is measured in homes. Home radon testing is simple and often done with a small device placed in the lowest livable area of your home for several months.
Tests that may be done
- Short-term radon test: A charcoal canister or alpha-track detector placed in the home for 2 to 90 days.
- Long-term radon test: A device that measures radon levels for more than 90 days, giving a more accurate average level.
What to expect at your appointment
You can order a radon test kit online or from some local health departments. Follow the instructions to place the detector in the lowest area of your home where people spend time (like a living room or bedroom). After the test period, send the device to a lab for analysis. Results usually arrive in a few weeks.
Treatment
There is no treatment for radon exposure in the body. The 'treatment' is reducing radon levels in your home to prevent future exposure.
Self-care at home
- Open windows and use fans to increase ventilation in basement and ground floor areas.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls with caulk or expandable foam.
- Improve airflow by keeping vents clear and using exhaust fans.
Medical treatments
If you have developed lung cancer due to radon exposure, your cancer care team will discuss appropriate treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. No specific medications for radon exposure itself exist.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is only relevant if lung cancer is diagnosed and is considered suitable for removal. Your cancer specialist will guide you based on the stage and location of the cancer.
Living with this condition
If you live in a home with high radon levels, you can take steps to reduce your exposure. The most important action is to have a radon mitigation system installed. This typically involves a pipe and fan that pulls radon from under the house and vents it outside.
Lifestyle tips
- Test your home for radon and retest after any major renovations or changes to your home's foundation.
- If you smoke, consider quitting – this is the single most important step to lower your overall lung cancer risk.
- Encourage friends and family to test their homes too.
Diet and exercise
A healthy diet and regular exercise may help support overall lung health, but they do not specifically reduce the effects of radon. They are important for anyone concerned about cancer risk.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Learning that your home has high radon levels can be worrying. Remember that mitigations are effective and usually affordable. If you feel anxious, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You are not alone.
Prevention
Yes, you can prevent high radon levels in your home by testing and, if needed, installing a radon reduction system. New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.
Vaccines
There is no vaccine for radon or radon-related lung cancer.
Screening programmes
There is no routine medical screening for radon exposure. The only way to know your exposure is to test your home. If you are a smoker or former smoker, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening (low-dose CT scan) if you are eligible.
Complications
If left untreated
- If high radon levels are not reduced, long-term exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
- For smokers, the combination with radon dramatically raises the risk.
Long-term outlook
The good news is that radon problems are fixable. Many homes with high radon can be made safe with simple mitigation. Testing is the first step. If you reduce radon levels, your risk of lung cancer from radon drops significantly over time.
Find support
International organisations
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Radon
- International Radon Association
Local organisations
- UK Radon Helpline (UK Health Security Agency) · United Kingdom
- Radon Program – Local Health Authority · Contact your local public health office
Helplines
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.