• Characteristics: radioactive, colorless, odorless gas
• Sources of exposure: natural environment
  • Radon is produced by the radioactive decay of radium-226
  • May accumulate to hazardous levels in basements and other confined spaces within the home
• Pathophysiology: ionizing radiation released from radioactive decay → cytotoxicity and DNA damage
• Clinical features: no direct symptoms
• Complications: repeated exposures increase risk of lung cancer
• Prevention
  • Suctioning radon from rooms and basements (e.g., soil suctioning)
  • Ventilation of rooms and basements
  • Sealing basement cracks