Air Matters: Radon and the Environment

On January 15, community members, health professionals, and environmental advocates gathered for the Air Matters: Radon & The Environment Community Education Event. This vital discussion highlighted the connections between radon, lung health, and the broader impacts of climate change

Radon and Its Health Impacts

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, forms during the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It seeps into homes through foundations, basements, and private well water, creating an invisible but significant health risk.

The Long-Term Effects of Radon and Air Pollution

Joan Schiller, MD, a distinguished oncology and environmental health expert, opened the discussion by explaining the pervasive health risks linked to radon and air pollution. She highlighted how radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Dr. Schiller also addressed how pollutants like particulate matter (PM 2.5) exacerbate respiratory illnesses and cancer risks, particularly in children, non-smokers, and other vulnerable groups. She emphasized that these risks are further intensified by environmental factors like wildfires and climate change.

Her message was clear: protecting public health requires urgent action to reduce radon exposure and improve air quality, both locally and globally.