In the United States, indoor radon exposure might result in 7,000-30,000 lung cancer deaths annually.
Radon might be second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer, and the combination of smoking and radon exposure results in an especially serious health risk.
Using current technology, the risk of lung cancer due to indoor radon exposure can be decreased.
Darlene Johnson, RN, BSN, MA; Ralph O'Connor Jr, PhD; Oscar Tarragó, MD, MPH; Pamela Tucker, MD
ATSDR/DHEP Revision Planners
William Carter, MD; Diane Dennis-Flagler, MPH; Patricia Drehobl, RN, BSN (CDC/PHPPO); Kim Gehle, MD, MPH; Darlene Johnson, RN, BSN, MA
Revision Editors
Pamela S. Wigington, Beverly Harris
Original Contributors
Mark Upfal, MD, MPH
Original Peer Reviewers
Charles Becker, MD; Jonathan Borak, MD; Bernard Goldstein, MD; Alan Hall, MD; Richard J. Jackson, MD, MPH; Jonathan Rodnick, MD; Linda Rosenstock, MD, MPH; Robert Wheater, MS; Brian Wummer, MD
Each content expert for this case study indicated no conflict of interest to disclose with the case study subject matter.
This monograph is one in a series of self-instructional publications designed to increase the primary care provider's knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients. See the Accreditation section for more information about continuing medical education credits, continuing nursing education units, and continuing education units.
The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this monograph, ATSDR has made diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but makes no claim that the document comprehensively addresses all possible situations related to this substance. This monograph is intended as an additional resource for physicians and other health professionals in assessing the condition and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a health care provider. The document must be interpreted in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.
Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
