The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged homeowners and building managers to take measures to improve indoor ventilation and reduce potential lethal levels of radioactive radon gas.
In a statement yesterday the Geneva-based organisation said the highest levels of radon in homes and other buildings occur during the winter because windows are normally kept closed, or even sealed, to keep in warm air and save energy costs.
This traps radon gas, which seeps in through small cracks in the foundations, exposing occupants to radon. "After smoking, radon is the second most important risk factor for lung cancer worldwide, causing tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths every year," the WHO said.
"Radon is an underestimated but widespread danger to health. Many people are unknowingly exposed to radon every day in the buildings where they live and work. We have to make people aware of the danger, and the means of mitigating this public health threat."
Dr Mike Repacholi, head of the WHO's radiation and health programme, said measuring radon levels was an important first step. If elevated radon levels are found, simple actions could be taken to improve ventilation and seal any cracks in ground-floor surfaces.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas and a major contributor to people's exposure to environmental radiation, Dr Repacholi explained.
