Most Americans Have Never Had Their Homes Tested For Radon-It Causes Lung Cancer

Radon, an invisible, odorless gas, has long been known to increase the risk of lung cancer. But despite this direct connection, new data reveals that the majority of Americans neither test for it in their homes nor consider it a major health threat.

A recent survey conducted by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) found that about 75% of Americans haven’t tested their homes for radon. More than half of the respondents admitted they aren’t worried about being exposed to this environmental carcinogen in their homes or communities. This is concerning, given that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the U.S.

“Radon is a lesser-known public health risk factor for lung cancer,” said Dr. David Carbone, a thoracic medical oncologist and director of the Thoracic Oncology Center at OSUCCC’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. “Because lung cancer is typically thought to be a ‘smoker’s disease,’ most people don’t consider radon as a real risk factor. But anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. And research tells us that radon is contributing to the development of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers.”

The survey, conducted by SSRS between February 2 and 4, included responses from over 1,000 U.S. adults. It found that 55% of people were unconcerned about radon exposure. This indifference is troubling, especially since radon could be contributing to the estimated 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases that occur in non-smokers.

Radon is a radioactive gas produced when naturally occurring radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and radium break down in soil, rock, and water. “Buildings act like chimneys, drawing in radon from the ground,” said Dr. Danny Nguyen, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange County. “When too much radon gets trapped inside a building, it can be deadly.”

Although smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, radon exposure is considered the second most significant risk factor. The danger increases even more when a person is exposed to both radon and tobacco smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises mitigation efforts if indoor radon levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), though actions can be considered at levels above 2 pCi/L. These measures usually involve installing a soil depressurization system to vent radon outdoors.

Experts stress the importance of testing all homes—regardless of age or type. “It is a myth that radon exposure is only a problem in older homes,” Nguyen noted. Radon tests are widely available and can be done professionally or with affordable at-home kits.

Carbone also emphasized testing other environments like schools and workplaces, where people spend substantial time. “Risk is cumulative, and we would have no idea that we were being exposed to radon unless all of these areas are tested,” he said.

Although screening guidelines primarily target smokers, those with potential radon exposure should talk to their doctors. Early detection is key—when caught early, lung cancer cure rates can reach up to 95%.