Radon is a radioactive noble gas whose repetitive inhalation is a leading cause of lung cancer, contributing to an estimated 16% of all lung cancer cases diagnosed globally. As radon progresses along its radioactive decay series, it emits alpha particles, a type of high linear energy transfer ionizing radiation that, dependent on dose, has short- and long-term health effects. Radon has been a known, widespread human carcinogen since the mid-20th century. Here, we review radon toxicology…

Ionizing radiation is energy in the form of photons of light (electromagnetic waves) or atomic particles that dislodge electrons from atoms. Different radiation types (e.g., gamma-rays, X-rays, electrons, protons, helium ions, heavy charged nuclei) produce distinct ionization patterns that are a function of linear energy transfer, which in turn influences short- and long-term health effects as a function of dose…

Ionizing radiation (IR) is very damaging to the vital processes of life, inducing DNA damage that underlies a variety of human diseases, including cancer. On the cellular level, IR generates reactive oxygen species and ionizes DNA leading to single and double-strand breaks, interstrand cross-linkages and other oxidative lesions. Depending upon the type, quality and dose of IR, the cellular repair machinery may fail to accurately or completely repair DNA damage leading to cell death or transformation…

Indoor air quality is strongly influenced by the presence of radioactive radon (²²²Rn) gas. Indeed, exposure to high ²²²Rn concentrations is unequivocally linked to DNA damage, and lung cancer, and is a worsening issue in North American residences, having increased over time within newer housing stocks as a function of as yet unclear variables. A wide range of environmental, structural, and behavioural factors can influence indoor air radon concentration…