There are some ways that South Africans can reduce their chances of lung cancer.

Not to be a hater, or preach from a pedestal, but smoking is a prime example.

In other regards, though, we are at the mercy of regulators, which is why we should probably take a closer look at how much radon we are being exposed to.

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when certain radioactive metals are broken down in the groundwater and soil, and there are now fears that South Africa may have levels that are far higher than is optimal.

On Sunday’s episode, Carte Blanche did some digging:

Millions of South Africans are exposed to radioactive radon gas in their homes and workplaces every day, as the naturally occurring gas escapes through cracks in the earth. The second leading cause of lung cancer in several countries, radon breaks down and when inhaled, decaying atoms emit alpha radiation that can damage the DNA.

There are no safe levels of radon concentration. The United States Environmental Protection Agency emphasises any radon exposure has some risk of causing lung cancer.

Carte Blanche investigates why South Africa has no regulations to protect against radon accumulation in the home and what you can do to test your home and prevent lung cancer.

Let’s dive in:

[source:carteblanche]