The Problem: Radon and Lung Cancer

Here is some data why Radon poses a risk to Archaeologists!

Archaeologists working in underground sites often face high risks due to Radon exposure, which has no good monitoring method at current levels.

Key Facts:

Lung Cancer is the #1 Cancer Killer, accounting for 22% of all cancer deaths.
1.8 million people globally die from lung cancer every year.
In the U.S., there were 132,000 deaths in 2022 due to lung cancer.
1 in 18 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.
65% of new patients have no history of tobacco use or smoking.
Radon exposure is the root cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Archaeologists have found cancer in Egyptian mummies.
Historical data shows higher radon levels linked to cancer in Puebloan populations.
Old historic sites often have elevated radon levels.
Safety in these environments is often OVERLOOKED!

Authors: Darby et al., 2003 — ScienceDirect
Key Findings (Summary):

Study documents that underground workers, particularly miners, showed significantly increased lung cancer incidence due to long-term radon exposure.
Risk levels grew proportionally with radon concentration and length of exposure — even moderate levels were harmful.
Confirms radon as a proven occupational hazard in subterranean environments.
🔗 Full Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651303002409

Authors: American Lung Association (Press Release, 2023)
Key Findings (Summary):

The American Lung Association highlights radon as a major environmental cancer risk and stresses that the only way to know exposure is through testing.
The organization partnered with environmental programs to improve radon testing accessibility and public awareness.
The campaign reinforces testing as a lifesaving preventive measure.
🔗 Full Source: https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/2023-lcam-protect-environmental-release#:~:text=No%2DCost%20Rado-,Protect

Authors: Lubin et al., 2001 — ScienceDirect
Key Findings (Summary):

Analysis of exposed worker populations found strong statistical association between radon progeny and lung cancer mortality, particularly among non-smokers.
Estimated that radon exposure accounted for 40–70% of lung-cancer deaths in high-risk underground groups.
Reinforces the importance of continuous real-time monitoring in confined workspaces.
🔗 Full Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651301920627

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