Should You Go to the Doctor if You’ve Been Exposed to Radon?

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation, well water, and construction materials. It’s also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking. Because of these known factors, you might wonder if you should go to the doctor after being exposed to radon. Here are a few things to bear in mind.

Understanding the Risks of Radon Exposure

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The risks can be significantly higher for smokers because smoking and radon exposure can have a synergistic effect on the development of cancer cells. Radon can also cause a type of lung cancer—small-cell lung carcinoma—that is different from smoking-related lung cancer. The risk to children and adults who’ve never smoked is lower than for smokers but not insignificant. It’s important to limit your exposure to radon as much as possible and consider installing a radon detector in your home to keep track of gas levels.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed

If you think you’ve been exposed to radon, don’t fret! You can use short-term and long-term test kits for your home. If the results come back high, you should take steps for mitigation, including fixing radon leaks and improving ventilation in your living spaces.

Keep in mind that radon exposure takes time to develop into health problems, much like asbestos or lead exposure. Medical issues can result from short bursts of exposure at high levels or low levels over a long period. Unlike acute exposure to other harmful substances, radon exposure typically has no immediate symptoms.

Consulting a Doctor After Radon Exposure

You may wonder if you should go to the doctor after being exposed to radon. This course of action depends on your level of exposure. Thankfully, doctors can perform tests for small-cell lung carcinoma and provide you with information on early detection strategies, such as screening for lung cancer. This is important for catching the disease before it advances.

If you’re concerned about the radon levels in your home, don’t wait until it’s too late. Trust the experts at Affordable Radon Services for radon mitigation in Colorado. Take the first step to protecting your health and safety by contacting us today for a thorough assessment and effective radon reduction solutions. You can breathe easy knowing you’re in good hands with our certified radon professionals.