氡与癌症（Radon and cancer）.docVIP

氡与癌症（Radon and cancer） Media Center Who, who planning and projects media centre, live reporting Main content print version Fact 291st September 2009 update Radon and cancer Important facts Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer in many countries. According to the average radon level in one country, radon is estimated to cause 3% to 14% of all lung cancers. Radon is more likely to cause lung cancer in smokers and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon induced lung cancer is mainly caused by low concentrations, rather than high concentrations of radon, because many people are exposed to this low concentration of indoor radon at home. The lower the radon concentration in the home, the smaller the risk, but it is not known what radon exposure is below the concentration. What is radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive inert gas. It is colorless, odorless and odourless. It is produced by natural radioactive decay of uranium found in rocks and soil. Radon can also be found in water. Related links Drinking water quality criteria Health theme: Cancer International Radon Project Radon is easily released from the ground into the air and is broken down by short-lived decay products called radon nuclei. Radon progeny decay emits radioactive particles Alfa, aerosols, dust and other particles, these particles can be attached to the air. When we breathe, radon nuclei accumulate in the cell walls of the respiratory tract, and Alfa particles can destroy DNA and may cause lung cancer. Outdoor radon levels are usually low. The average outdoor radon level radioactivity 5-15 Bq/m3 [radon in Becquerel (Bq) as a unit. The equivalent of 1 Becquerels per second conversion (decomposition) of 1 nuclei. The concentration of radon in the air is measured by the amount converted per second in the air of 1 cubic meters (Bq/m3). Indoor radon levels are higher, while radon levels are highest in mines, caves and water treatment facilities. The health ef