Toxics· 2026Q1· Review
Radon Exposure: A Comprehensive Review of the Health Risks and Therapeutic Potentials
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Radon, a Group 1 carcinogen, is the second leading cause of lung cancer and may contribute to other diseases, but controlled exposure (radon therapy) shows potential for treating rheumatic, neurological, and cancer metastasis conditions by modulating oxidative stress and immune response.
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Key points
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally and a Group 1 carcinogen.
- Emerging evidence links radon exposure to COPD, hematological, and skin diseases.
- Unique radiation effects like bystander and inverse dose-rate effects are discussed.
- Controlled radon exposure (radon therapy) shows potential for treating rheumatic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer metastasis.
- Therapeutic mechanisms include regulation of oxidative stress, immune modulation, and redox balance.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and remains a significant environmental health hazard. Traditionally linked to lung cancer, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. Emerging evidence also suggests that radon exposure may contribute to other diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hematological disorders, and skin diseases. This review explores the broad spectrum of health risks associated with radon exposure, including its biological effects at histopathological, cellular, and molecular levels, with a focus on unique radiation effects such as the bystander effect and inverse dose-rate effect. Despite its harmful effects, radon has shown potential therapeutic benefits under controlled exposure conditions. Known as radon therapy, it has been investigated for treating rheumatic diseases, neurological disorders, and even cancer metastasis. The biological mechanisms of radon therapy, including its regulation of oxidative stress, immune modulation, and redox balance, are discussed. The effects of radon-whether harmful or therapeutic-are highly dependent on factors like dose, exposure duration, and individual susceptibility. This review concludes by highlighting key areas for future research to refine our understanding of both the risks and therapeutic applications of radon.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Toxics, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Radiological and Ultrasound TechnologyHealth Professions