By Regina Kwapong
In a recent interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show, experts from the Radiation Protection Institute at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), shed light on the dangers of radon gas, highlighting its status as a significant but often overlooked threat in homes.
Manager at the Radiation Protection Institute, Prof. Francis Otoo, disclosed that radon gas ranks as the second leading cause of cancer globally, following smoking, as reported by the World Health Organisation’s epidemiological studies.
He added that there are three major cancer hospitals in Ghana, namely Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and Sweden Ghana Medical Center.
During the discussion, Prof. Steven Inkoom, Deputy Director of the Radiation Protection Institute, emphasised the insidious nature of radon gas, pointing out that its colourless and odourless properties make it challenging to detect without proper testing.
He explained that radon gas emerges from the earth’s crust due to uranium decay, posing a risk due to its radioactive nature and the specific type of radiation it emits, underscoring the importance of testing to confirm its presence and take necessary precautions.
Moreover, Prof. Steven highlighted the harmful nature of radon gas as an indoor threat that poses a significant risk to lung health. He explained that continuous exposure to radon gas indoors can have detrimental effects on the lungs when inhaled.
Individuals who spend extended periods indoors and are smokers are particularly at high risk of developing lung cancer due to the presence of radon gas.
Furthermore, Prof. Francis emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the rare yet significant threat of radon gas and urged for immediate action to address this issue proactively. It is crucial to educate the public and mobilise efforts to safeguard against the potential dangers posed by radon exposure.
About radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which may be found in high concentrations in indoor environments, such as homes and workplaces. Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer
