Radon causes lung cancer

Radon is responsible for 200 to 300 deaths a year in Switzerland and is second only to smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer. 

Cartoon of human with red respiratory tract

The risk of lung cancer increases as airborne radon concentrations and the length of exposure rise. Radon decay products accumulate in and irradiate lung tissue. Years or even decades may elapse between the irradiation of lung tissue and the onset of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is responsible for around 3,200 deaths a year in Switzerland (source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, 2023). Between 200 and 300 of these are attributable to radon (source: S. Menzler & al, Attributive Risiken durch Radon in der Schweiz, Stiftung Tierärzliche Hochschule Hannover, 2005).

Further information

Radon map of Switzerland

Consult the radon map and carry out the radon-check in order to determine the urgency for a radon measurement in your building.

Last modification 13.12.2024

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Contact

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Radiological Protection Division
Radiological Risk Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003 Bern
Switzerland
Tel. +41 58 464 68 80
E-mail

Print contact

https://www.bag.admin.ch/content/bag/en/home/gesund-leben/umwelt-und-gesundheit/strahlung-radioaktivitaet-schall/radon/radon-verursacht-lungenkrebs.html