Lung cancer due to poor air quality: the danger of radon gas

Since the real danger of radon gas was discovered, it was believed that the main cause of lung cancer was the same for smokers and non-smokers alike. However, it was unknown that behind the most widespread cancer in men -and increasingly affecting more women- there is not only the cigarette but also a silent poison that hides in many Spanish homes, capable of causing its appearance.

According to the World Health Organization, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancers in the world and also in Spain, which means many non-smoking individuals living in affected areas may suffer from this ailment, and those who do smoke may worsen their situation due to this almost undetectable poison. But, what is radon gas and why does it cause lung cancer?

The radon gas is produced from uranium found in the soil, normally granitic. Technically speaking, we can say it disintegrates and then transforms into radium, ultimately ending up in the ground. When that radium disintegrates is when radon appears in the form of gas. A highly harmful and contaminating element that can reach us through the air and then accumulate in our respiratory system until it generates radioactive effects.

It is completely undetectable without technical equipment because it has no smell or visible presence in the air; it is almost impossible for us to realize its existence if we do not use detectors. It is generated in subterranean levels and can enter the rooms and areas where we are in our homes.

Its presence is quite high in Spain. As explained by the Nuclear Safety Council, two of the most affected autonomous communities are Galicia and part of Castilla y León, though they are not the only ones. Madrid, Extremadura, and Castilla La Mancha also have high levels of radon gas.

What is the relationship between radon and the occurrence of lung cancer? Mainly, that continuous exposure to the gas favors the specific appearance of small cell lung cancer or microcytic cancer. In both cases, these cancers are diagnosed at young ages, before the age of 50, and at stages where it is already very advanced. One of the key differences with tobacco is that it is more premature.

Moreover, it not only plays a crucial role in the onset of cancer, but the concentration rate is higher than in patients suffering from other causes, at least at the same age. "There is a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer at an early age in many cases of this type of cancer, and metastatic disease predominates at the time of diagnosis," says the thoracic surgeon at the Hospital de Santa Creu de Barcelona, who also states that "radon seems to play an important role in the appearance of this disease, and there are cases with very high radon concentrations."

How to prevent lung cancer caused by radon gas?

The way to protect oneself against radon gas is basically to detect this poison in the air or try to avoid the causes of its propagation if we are in an affected area and our home meets the usual purposes. We must keep in mind that radon gas:

• It is a natural radioactive element, always concentrating indoors. It can be found in public buildings, schools, workplaces, and homes that are in contact with the ground.
• There is no safe minimum level of radon gas since there is not enough information about it. If it is present, it is best to protect against it.
• Because it is very difficult to detect, those affected only realize it when they start suffering from lung cancer without an apparent cause.
• The proportion of lung cancer cases at a national level attributable to radon varies from 3% to 14%, although smoking may play an important role in this.
• Measurement must be done with technical equipment, at an affordable price. In Spain, it is mandatory for the Administration to take care of this in affected areas.

To prevent contamination from radon gas and avoid possible lung cancer, the main thing is efficient air renewal and eliminating leaks that may have formed where the gas concentrates, which is in contact with the ground. Eliminating cracks and possible leaks in the floor and walls is important, but it is also essential to install a mechanical ventilation system that takes care of renewing the air. This is the most appropriate way to eliminate this poison from the subsoil of our homes, which is the second leading cause of lung cancers.