Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to site content

Radon Toxicity
How Should Patients Potentially Exposed to Increased Levels of Radon Be Treated and Managed?

Course: CB/WB1585
CE Original Date: June 1, 2010
CE Renewal Date: June 1, 2012
CE Expiration Date: June 1, 2014
Download Printer-Friendly version [PDF - 809 KB]

Previous Section Next Section

Learning Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

  • The clinical management of patients potentially exposed to increased radon levels.
  • Appropriate referrals for positive findings during clinical assessment.

Introduction

With radon, the most important preventive action is to minimize exposure to it. This requires appropriate measurement of environmental radon levels in the patient’s home to determine whether the levels are 4 pCi/L or more. If radon levels are at 4 pCi/L or more, recommendations to abate the increased exposure risk may include having the patient remediate radon levels in his or her home (reduction and abatement) to background, outdoor ambient air levels. More information on measuring and abating radon is available in “Annex I” at the end of this case study.

Patients potentially exposed to increased radon levels at home should have a clinical assessment. If clinical findings are positive, consider appropriate referrals.

Care of the Patient Potentially Exposed to Increased Levels of Radon

Clinical care is based on findings from the initial clinical assessment and the health care provider’s clinical judgment. If a patient already has a respiratory condition, consider further testing, referral to a specialist, or both.

The following may increase the likelihood of the patient having a pulmonary malignancy:

  • Radiographic appearance of a lesion (size and lack of calcification),
  • Age,
  • Sex (current or former women smokers are at higher risk).
  • Symptoms of cough and weight loss,
  • Hypercalcemia,
  • Absence of residence in or travel to an area endemic for coccidioidomycosis (southwest United States) or histoplasmosis (Ohio/Mississippi Valley),
  • Absence of fever or evidence of infectious disease, and
  • Negative PPD skin test, which does not rule out tuberculosis, but makes it less likely.

Patient care based on the physician’s assessment may include further testing or, depending on the findings, additional referrals to an oncologist and chest surgeon. Initially, one or more of the following tests might be ordered:

  • Search for previous chest radiographs for comparison,
  • Sputum studies for cytology and cultures (standard pathogens, fungus, acid-fast bacilli),
  • LDCT scan, and
  • Fiber optic bronchoscopy with bronchial brushings and specimens for cytology and culture.

If a primary lung cancer is detected, a metastatic workup (scans of the brain, liver, adrenals, and bones) might be indicated. Depending on histologic type, local extension into adjacent anatomical structures, presence of metastases, and the general health of the patient, treatment options may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and possibly immunotherapy. Again, specialist care and his or her recommended treatment plan should guide such treatment.

Referral to a specialist with expertise and experience treating lung disease is reasonable, given positive findings from the initial clinical assessment.

The patient should be apprised of the positive findings together with the reason for referral.

Key Points

  • Preventive steps can minimize exposure to radon.
  • Preventive actions to reduce environmental levels of radon below 4 pCi/L include home remediation.
  • Findings from the initial clinical assessment and the health care provider’s clinical judgment—including appropriate referral and follow up as clinically indicated—guide treatment and management of patients potentially exposed to increased radon levels.
   

Progress Check

12. Which of the following is clinically indicated in the treatment of radon toxicity?

A. Chelation.
B. Immunotherapy.
C. Iron therapy.
D. None of the above.

Answer:

To review relevant content, see "Introduction" and "Care of the Patient Potentially Exposed to Increased Levels of Radon" in this section.

13. If a patient's initial clinical assessment results in positive pulmonary findings, and exposure to increased levels of radon is suspected or known, which of the following should be considered in that patient's management?

A. Radon decontamination.
B. Cathartics.
C. Referral to a specialist with expertise and experience treating lung disease.
D. None of the above.

Answer:

To review relevant content, see "Introduction" and "Care of the Patient Potentially Exposed to Increased Levels of Radon" in this section.

Previous Section Next Section
 
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341
Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348

A-Z Index

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
  27. #