Other than smoking, what causes lung cancer? can radon gas cause lung cancer?

The : The short answer is yes - radon can cause lung cancer. While smoking tobacco causes the overwhelming majority of lung cancers, radon gas is a well-established cause for a minority of cases, and this is particularly evident in non-smokers. Smokers have a compounded risk; in these individuals, radon gas exposure can accelerate the development of lung cancer. Radon is a gaseous decay product of the elements uranium-238 and radium-226, both of which are capable of damaging the respiratory lining of the lung via the emission of radioactive Alpha particles. Long-term radioactive damage to the lining of the lungs can lead to the development of lung cancer. Historically, underground uranium miners who were occupationally exposed to radon and its decay products have had a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer. Unfortunately, radon is also present in soil, rock, and groundwater, and it can accumulate in homes (especially in confined areas such as attics and basements). Radon actually accounts for the majority of background ionizing radiation exposure to the general public. Studies have shown that the risk associated with exposure to radon in the home is small, but nevertheless significant. It is estimated that radon exposure could be responsible for up to 2 percent of lung cancer deaths, which amounts to approximately 21, 000 deaths per year in the United States.

Yes: Yes. Radon can cause of non-smoking related lung cancer. For more on lung cancer, here is a good resource: http://www.Cancer.Net/cancer-types/lung-cancer.

Concur: I generally agree with good responses of drs swamy and rutledge. Radon is a known and significant carcinogen. Furthermore, numerous inhalants, including many products of burning/combustion are considered carcinogens related to lung cancer. Lung cancer like other cancers is closely related to intensity and duration of exposure to carcinogens/injurious substances. Drswamy provided good link.