What Causes Lung Cancer?

Radon Exposure

Lung cancer may be the result of exposure to a radioactive gas referred to as radon. When elements such as thorium, uranium, and radium that are present in the rocks and soil of the earth undergo the process of decay, radon is the byproduct. Radon can seep through the soil and into the air, or it can dissolve into the water in the ground where it is subsequently diffused into the air when that water is used. Radon in the open atmosphere is usually not a threat to human health, but it tends to enter homes and structures where it builds up to levels that do pose a threat. The places known to have higher levels of radon include basements, cellars, underground tunnels, and mines. Radon emits very small particles that are radioactive upon its break down. The radioactive particles are inhaled into the lungs and then expose the cells lining their interior to DNA-altering radiation. The more radiation exposure to the lung cells, the higher the chance a mutation will occur that results in lung cancer.