title: Radon: implications for the health professional.
abstract: Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed by radioactive decay of radium and uranium, which are naturally present in the earth's crust. When concentrated indoors, this invisible gas becomes a potential health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually can be attributed to prolonged radon exposure. Radon is an important health issue that should be understood by all health care professionals. This paper discusses some of the important issues regarding radon, such as the incidences of lung cancer believed to be attributable to radon, the high-risk areas in the United States, federal safety guidelines, and public apathy. These issues and their impact on the health care required by professionals, especially nurse practitioners, are discussed.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Romano
mesh_terms: D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006266:Health Education; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality; D011639:Public Opinion; D011886:Radon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D014484:United States Environmental Protection Agency
chemical_list: D011886:Radon