Radon is an odorless gas that seeps out of the earth as a byproduct of broken-down uranium in soil and rock. Radon is effectively everywhere on earth, but some areas have a higher concentration than others.
Here's the real danger: radon is a radioactive gas that is directly tied to lung cancer. Particles damage lung tissue over time, and the risks of lung cancer increase with longer exposure.
Pets breathe the same indoor air we do, and some guidance notes they may receive a higher dose of radiation from radon than adult humans. So, what can concerned pet owners do to ensure their dogs aren't inhaling harmful radon, thus increasing their risk for lung cancer?
Let's find out.
In-Home Risks of Radon Exposure for Dogs
In most cases, radon is able to dissipate into outdoor air, rendering levels much lower. In homes, however, it can rise through cracks in the foundation, pipes, and vents, typically ending up in basements where it collects and lingers.
Even if your dog doesn't spend a lot of time in the basement, radon exposure is still very possible anywhere in the home. So, if your home is in an area with high radon levels, you should have your home tested.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, "lung cancer incidence in dogs and cats is approximately 2-fold higher in areas with high radon potential."
Importantly, there is effectively no way to detect or perceive radon in your home without testing (either an at-home test or a professional inspection). If exposed, your dog will not show any signs of radon exposure until it's too late. This isn't an exaggeration, and the same is true for yourself and your family.
How Radon Impacts Dogs
According to the EPA, radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Most homes have a small level of radon exposure, with levels above around 2.0 pCi/L. "pCi/L" (picocuries per liter) is a standard U.S. unit used to report how much radioactivity is present in the air, and higher numbers mean higher radon concentrations.
Homes with higher-than-average levels of radon can increase risk to pets over time, especially with longer exposure, although every pet is different and the exact level and length of time before risk increases isn't fully understood.
The point is, you should have your home tested for radon if you live in a high-exposure area such as Minnesota, Iowa, Alaska, South Dakota, and others. It's important to note that each region's radon levels fluctuate by county, so do some research and see if you're in an at-risk home.
Time and exposure increase the risk of radon-caused cancer in dogs, and the best thing you can do is have your home inspected early in your pet's life to reduce the risks.
How to Protect Your Dog from Radon Exposure
If you're concerned about your dog's exposure to radon, you can start by increasing the ventilation in areas that they spend a lot of time. This is a short-term measure, however.
The only way to effectively reduce your home's radon levels is to have an inspection, and a mitigation if your levels are higher than average. A radon mitigation involves drilling a hole into the foundation of your home and installing a ventilation pipe that releases radon outside of your home.
Conclusion
Radon gas can impact dogs just as much as it affects humans, with some organizations claiming that incidence of pet lung cancer can double in high-radon areas. It's important to have your home checked for radon for yourself and your pet's sake.
The concentration of radon in your home and the length of exposure are the key risk factors when it comes to developing radon-caused lung cancer. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can only be detected with a radon test.
For more information on lung cancer in dogs, you can read our article on the subject here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Exposure for Dogs
What is radon and why is it found in homes?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through small openings in foundations, around pipes, and through crawlspaces or basements.
Can radon exposure for dogs increase the risk of lung cancer?
Radon is linked to lung cancer risk because it can damage lung tissue over time when inhaled. Dogs breathe the same indoor air as people, so elevated in-home radon levels may increase long-term risk for pets as well.
What radon levels are considered high in a home?
Many homes have some radon, but higher readings increase concern. If your test results are elevated, the most practical next step is to follow standard radon guidance for confirmatory testing and mitigation.
How can I test my home for radon?
You can test with an at-home radon kit (short-term or long-term) or hire a qualified professional. Testing is the only way to know your home's radon level since radon can’t be seen or smelled.
How can I reduce radon levels to protect my dog?
The most common fix is a radon mitigation system that vents radon from beneath the home to the outside. After any mitigation or ventilation changes, retest to confirm levels have dropped.
