Understanding Lung Cancer Risk Factors

What Are Common Lung Cancer Risk Factors?

Several environmental and occupational exposures may contribute to lung cancer risk, including:

• Tobacco smoke
• Secondhand smoke
• Asbestos
• Radon gas
• Air pollution and particulate matter

Risk may increase over time with repeated or prolonged exposure.

What Is Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos is a mineral once commonly used in:

• Insulation
• Construction materials
• Brake pads
• Industrial products

People historically at higher risk for asbestos exposure may include:

• Military personnel
• Construction workers
• Mechanics
• Miners
• Insulation workers

Long-term asbestos exposure may increase the risk of lung disease and lung cancer.

What Is Radon Gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can rise from the soil and enter homes through foundations.

Radon exposure:

• Cannot be seen or smelled
• May accumulate indoors
• Is a known lung cancer risk factor

Some geographic areas have higher natural radon levels than others.

Can You Test Your Home for Radon?

Yes. Homes can be tested for radon using:

• Home radon test kits
• Professional environmental testing companies

If elevated radon levels are detected, mitigation systems may help reduce indoor exposure by improving ventilation beneath the home.

How Does Air Pollution Affect the Lungs?

Exposure to smoke and particulate matter from:

• Wildfires
• Tobacco smoke
• Wood-burning fireplaces
• Air pollution

may irritate the lungs and contribute to chronic lung disease over time.

Long-term exposure to certain airborne particles may also increase cancer risk.

Can Non-Smokers Get Lung Cancer?

Yes. Some patients diagnosed with lung cancer have little or no tobacco exposure.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Environmental exposures
• Occupational hazards
• Genetics
• Secondhand smoke

How Can You Reduce Lung Cancer Risk?

Ways to help reduce exposure-related risk may include:

• Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
• Testing homes for radon
• Using proper workplace protection
• Limiting smoke and particulate exposure
• Discussing screening eligibility with your doctor

About Dr. Michaela Straznicka

Dr. Michaela Straznicka is a board-certified thoracic surgeon at BASS Medical Group specializing in lung cancer evaluation, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and thoracic oncology care.

Video Transcript

For most patients who are lifetime non-smokers or have minimal tobacco use, we would look for exposure to asbestos.

This was prevalent in people who were in the military, those who worked with insulation and construction, and mechanics who handled brake pads.

There are certain parts of the country where radon gas naturally rises from the ground.

Patients can have their homes tested, and if radon gas is detected beneath the house, there are ways to mitigate its collection inside.

Particles from fires, known as particulate matter, can also pose serious health risks.

These particles can cause lung irritation and over time may become carcinogenic.

To minimize exposure, it is advisable to avoid inhaling particulate matter from active fires, including tobacco smoke and wood-burning fireplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lung cancer happen without smoking?

Yes. Environmental exposures and other risk factors can contribute to lung cancer in non-smokers.

What is radon gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil that may increase lung cancer risk when trapped indoors.

Is asbestos still dangerous today?

Yes. Exposure to asbestos remains associated with lung disease and lung cancer risk.

Can wildfire smoke affect lung health?

Yes. Smoke and particulate matter may irritate the lungs and contribute to respiratory problems over time.