Worried about the long-term effects of radon exposure on your pet?
Epidemiologists share your concern. In November 2020, a group of scientists conducted a study of the ecological level analysis of primary lung tumors in dogs and cats and environmental radon activity.
For this study, 690 dogs and 205 cats residing in each zone between the years 2010 and 2015 were each tested for primary pulmonary neoplasia (PPN) – a form of lung cancer.
Radon Zones & How They Affect Our Pets
Does prolonged residential radon exposure increase the risk of lung cancer in household pets?
The short and sweet answer is yes but what does this mean? A few factors that expedite the side effects of radon exposure in pets, namely the zones in which they reside.
What Are Radon Zones?
Zone 1 (Highest Risk): Counties with predicted average indoor radon screening levels greater than 4 pCi/L.
Zone 2 (Medium Risk): Counties with predicted average indoor radon screening levels from 2 to 4 pCi/L.
Zone 3 (Little Risk): Counties with predicted average indoor radon screening levels less than 2 pCi/L.
EPA recommends fixing your home if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher.
How Do Different Radon Zones Affect Your Pet
The primary pulmonary neoplasia (a form of lung cancer) rate is higher in pets that reside in homes located in areas with a high radon exposure risk. As defined by the EPA, these areas are Zone 1 & Zone 2.
Areas in Zone 1 that produce average indoor radon screening levels greater than 4 pCi/Lt exhibited primary pulmonary neoplasia (PPN) rate ratio 2-fold higher than counties in lower radon zones 2 & 3.
Site: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
What Are The Radon Zones For Kansas & Missouri?
The website City-Data reports that Kansas falls in Zone 1 & Zone 2 range with approximately ¾ of northwestern Kansas in Zone 1.
Kansas Radon Zones break down like this:
0 counties in Zone 3
40 counties in Zone 2
65 counties in Zone 1
Missouri Radon Zones look like this:
7 counties in Zone 3
97 counties in Zone 2
11 counties in Zone 1
Kansas Map Resource: See more information. | Missouri Map Resource: See more information.
What Can I Do To Protect My Furry Friends & Family?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing for radon at least every two years. You may elect to conduct radon measurement testing more frequently for peace of mind. Certified Radon offers both long-term and short-term testing solutions conducted by a skilled Certified Radon Technician to ensure accuracy.
May is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and is a great reminder to take the first step in making sure your pets and family are safe.
