Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. There are short-term consequences, like bad breath and stained teeth, and long-term consequences, like lung cancer and heart disease. But what about radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas found naturally in the environment.

Radon is present in indoor and outdoor air and only dangerous in high concentrations. And like smoking, radon exposure can lead to lung cancer. So, which one is more dangerous? Radon or smoking? This blog post looks at the similarities and differences between these 2. Read on to learn more.

Radon, Smoking, And Lung Cancer

Radon exposure and the habit of smoking have a lot in common when it comes to their effects on the lungs. Both are composed of tiny particles that can enter the lungs and slowly, over time, cause damage. Their similarities are incredibly alarming:

Long-term Damage To The lungs

Both radon and tobacco smoke are known to damage the cells in the respiratory system. These airborne hazards cause similar symptoms over time (coughs, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, among others). In some cases, the damages are irreversible and permanent.

Leading Causes Of Lung Cancer

Tobacco smoking and radon symptoms can be early signs of lung cancer. Lung cancer is an inevitable consequence of long-term exposure to both substances. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the US among non-smoker patients. Radon takes away the life of about 21,000 people every year.

Main Difference Between These 2 Health Hazards

The main difference between radon and tobacco smoke is that radon is their composition and origin. Let’s dive into the list of differences between these 2:

  • Smoking is a choice, while exposure to radon gas is not.
  • The human body can detect tobacco smoke, while radon remains undetected by our senses.
  • Tobacco smoke comes from burning tobacco leaves, while radon gas naturally occurs on our planet.
  • Tobacco smoke composition contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known to cause cancer. Radon is a gas from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground, rock, and water.
  • Radon is a radioactive gas, while tobacco smoke is not.
  • Radon can build up in enclosed spaces, while tobacco smoke does not.

How To Prevent Damage From Radon & Smoking

The best way to prevent damage from either of these substances is to stop exposure altogether. However, this is not always possible or practical. The next best thing is to take measures to limit your vulnerability by changing your smoking habits or hiring radon control services.

Protect Those Around You With Radon Control Services’ Mitigation Systems

If you’re concerned about radon exposure or suspect you or one of your loved ones might be facing radon symptoms, the best is to contact a reliable radon mitigation company. Radon Control Services’ team of certified technicians will install a radon mitigation system to improve air quality and keep you and your family safe!

At Radon Control Services, we’ve been in business since 1999, protecting St. Louis and St. Charles residents from radon gas. We’re a family-owned and operated business, so we understand the importance of protecting your loved ones. Contact us today to get a free estimate!