Radon Exposure and Human Health: A Review of Sources, Risks, and Measurement Methods

Abstract

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a significant environmental health risk and ranks as the second leading cause of lung cancer following smoking. Prolonged exposure to radon and its decay products results in DNA damage due to ionizing radiation, which facilitates mutations, genomic instability, and the development of cancer. Epidemiological research, especially among miners and in residential environments, consistently reveals a dose-response relationship between radon exposure and the risk of lung cancer. Additionally, emerging evidence indicates potential associations with other illnesses, such as leukemia and non-respiratory cancers, although these connections are not yet fully established. At the cellular level, exposure to radon triggers oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and immune dysregulation, which may act as biomarkers for diseases related to radon. Preventive measures emphasize the importance of radon measurement, mitigation efforts in homes and workplaces, and public health campaigns aimed at reducing exposure. Despite extensive research over the years, additional case-control studies are necessary to elucidate radon’s involvement in non-pulmonary diseases and to enhance risk assessment models.