QuestionIf someone lives in an apartment, is it possible to have it tested for radon? If so, would they test the actual apartment or the basement in the building?
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
So, the only way someone will know if they've been exposed is when they are diagnosed with lung cancer? I would have thought there would be some sort of test that a doctor could do.
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi. I was wondering if there is a way a person can test to see if radon gas is in their lungs?
Answer -
No, not a good way to test for radon, usually you wind up testing the basement for radon, which is the usual way someone is exposed.
Answer -
basically, yes, you are right. The association between radon exposure and lung cancer was found by measuring radon levels in basements in high risk areas and estimating years of exposure in the lung cancer patients and comparing them to low radon exposure areas. It was particularly high in the northern part of IL, above Chicago... my grandfather, father, uncle and 2 aunts died of lung cancer and most had quit smoking > 20 years prior to the diagnosis.
Answerprobably both.... the levels would be highest in the basement, and my previous referral to basements meant that most single homes in high radon areas have basements which is where kids tend to play and get exposed over years. So, if you are in an apartment, I doubt if you spend much time in the basement, unless that is the laundry room, so you would only test the apartment itself... I would contact the local public health department for your options.
