The American Lung Association emphasizes that smoking combined with radon exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk and is intensifying efforts to raise awareness through testing resources and smoking cessation support.


RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. Increased Lung Cancer Risk: Smoking and radon exposure together significantly raise the risk of lung cancer, with radon being the second leading cause after smoking.
  2. Radon Testing and Mitigation: The American Lung Association encourages homeowners to test for radon, as elevated levels can often go unnoticed and can be reduced with mitigation systems.
  3. Smoking Cessation Support: The organization offers resources and support to help individuals quit smoking, which remains the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

The American Lung Association is increasing efforts to raise awareness for the two largest risk factors for lung cancer: smoking cigarettes and exposure to radon gas. 

To help reduce the risk of lung cancer for people throughout the US, the organization is educating the public about how they can test for radon and offering resources to help people quit smoking for good.

“Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, and radon exposure is the second leading cause. People who smoke who are also exposed to radon are at an even greater risk of lung cancer, so it is even more important for them to test for radon and start their journey to quit for good,” says Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, in a release. “The New Year is one of the most common times of the year for people to quit smoking, and January is National Radon Action Month. So now is the perfect time for people to take action to protect their health.”

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It seeps into homes and buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations, often going unnoticed even if it is present at dangerous levels. At least 1 in 15 homes in the US have elevated radon levels. Radon-related lung cancer is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the US. 

Cigarette smoking is directly responsible for approximately 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the US, according to the American Lung Association. Despite increased awareness of the dangers of smoking, millions continue to smoke.

Taking Action to Reduce Risk for Lung Cancer: 

  • Radon Testing: The American Lung Association encourages all homeowners to test for radon, as it is the only way to know if radon levels are elevated. Radon test kits are widely available, affordable, and easy to use. If elevated radon levels are detected, mitigation systems can be installed to reduce exposure. Learn more at Lung.org/radon.
  • Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking is the single most important step individuals can take to protect their lung health. While 70% of people who smoke want to quit, many face challenges in doing so without proper support. Comprehensive treatment plans, including behavioral counseling and US Food and Drug Administration-approved cessation medications, have proven effective in helping people quit for good. People can start their quit smoking journal at Lung.org/quit-smoking or by calling the Lung Helpline at 1-800-586-4872.

To enhance its efforts to reduce lung cancer risk, the American Lung Association is partnering with the Indoor Environments Association (IEA). This collaboration aims to promote awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and smoking and provide resources for smoking cessation. Through the partnership, the American Lung Association is connecting radon and vapor intrusion professionals, their families, and IEA members with quit-smoking resources, including the Freedom From Smoking Plus program.

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