What would you say if I asked you what the leading cause of lung cancer is? Smoking, right? That's easy.

What would you say if I asked you what the second leading cause of lung cancer is? Something smoking-related?
*No, guess again.*
![Doctorinhospitalduringexaminationofx-raysaf397.jpg](https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/29/Doctorinhospitalduringexaminationofx-raysaf397.jpg)
According to the National Academy of Sciences, Environmental Protection Agency, and World Health Organization, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers alike. For non-smokers, it is actually the leading cause, followed by secondhand smoke.

What is Radon and where is it found?

[Radon](http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/Radon%20Poisoning%20Prevention.aspx) is a radioactive gas that is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. Due to its radioactivity, radon can spontaneously decay and form other atoms, known as [radon progeny](http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/Radon%20Poisoning%20Prevention.aspx). These new tiny atoms, which are electrically charged, attach to dust particles that are easily inhaled. ![RadonformPeriodicTableofElementsf15c2.jpg](https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/29/RadonformPeriodicTableofElementsf15c2.jpg) Since all soil contains some level of decaying uranium, Radom can be found anywhere in varying concentrations. In the United States, for example, it has been found in high concentrations in parts of every state. Higher levels have been [found](http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/the-rising-threat-of-radon), however, in areas with large deposits of uranium, granite, shale, and phosphate.

How does it get into our homes?

Because radon is a gas, it moves upwards through rock fissures and air pockets in the soil. Due to pressure differences between indoor and outdoor air, homes with any cracks in the foundation, walls, or joints can act like a vacuum and draw radon gas up into the home. Once inside, the tiny radioactive particles caused by radon decay can attach to dust particles, which are then inhaled into the lungs.
![Thedangerofradongasinourhomes44b2a.jpg](https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/29/Thedangerofradongasinourhomes44b2a.jpg)

What does it do to our bodies?

Radon is a lung carcinogen that is responsible for roughly 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year. As it decays, radon emits tiny radioactive particles that damage the cells that line the lung. The link was [discovered](http://www.nap.edu/read/5499/chapter/3) when scientists observed that underground uranium mine workers died of lung cancer at much higher rates. Concerned, researched turned to the effects of radon outside of the workplace. After a series of studies were conducted in the 1990s and 2000s, scientists [confirmed](http://www.nap.edu/read/5499/chapter/3) that exposure to indoor radon results in an increased risk of lung cancer. ![Healthyhumanlungs.Respiratorysystem.Lunglarynxandtracheaofhealthyperson.Respiratorysystemsmoker.Lungcancerb3819.jpg](https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/29/Healthyhumanlungs.Respiratorysystem.Lunglarynxandtracheaofhealthyperson.Respiratorysystemsmoker.Lungcancerb3819.jpg)

What can you do to be proactive?

Given the prevalence of indoor radon, the EPA recommends that everyone test their homes for concentrations of radon gas. If the level is 4 picocuries per liter or higher, homeowners are encouraged to install a radon reduction system in their home. The EPA has an excellent resource on radon mitigation available [here](https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/2013_consumers_guide_to_radon_reduction.pdf).
![Radon_test_kite1ca8.jpg](https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/29/Radon_test_kite1ca8.jpg)

Additional Information

[Local Radon Zones and State Contact Information](https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information) [EPA's Basic Facts on Radon](https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-08/documents/july_2016_radon_factsheet.pdf) [The National Radon Action Plan](https://www.epa.gov/radon) [World Health Organization's International Radon Project](http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/env/radon/en/) -------- ***I believe people should be protected from industry irresponsibility and wrongdoing, which is why my work as an attorney has focused primarily on environmental and mass tort litigation.*** ***If interested, check out my previous posts:*** [PFOA](https://steemit.com/life/@deviedev/there-s-something-in-the-water-pfoa) [Lead](https://steemit.com/life/@deviedev/the-legacy-of-lead-why-the-toxic-nightmare-is-here-to-stay) [Secondary Exposure](https://steemit.com/life/@deviedev/the-innocent-bystander)