Radon Effects on a Dog

Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, taste or color. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing about 20,000 deaths annually. Like people, dogs are susceptible to radon toxicity and can develop cancer from exposure. It is important to understand the risk of radon exposure and how it might affect your dog.

  1. Degree of Exposure

    • Radon comes from naturally-occurring uranium in the soil. As the uranium decays, it produces radon gas which slowly filters up through the ground and tends to collect in the lower parts of the house, where it can reach dangerous levels. Since dogs are low to the ground with smaller body masses, they are at greater risk. However, soil is not the only risk; exposure can occur through second-hand cigarette smoke, which contains radon, among other carcinogens.

    Effects

    • Twenty-one percent of dogs exposed to high doses of radon developed lung tumors, according to a 1999 National Academy of Sciences report called BEIR IV (Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation). The report also concluded that only smoking beats radon as a cause of lung cancer. Other conditions include radon-induced nasal carcinomas, bronchio-alveolar carcinomas, epidermoid carcinomas and fibrosarcoma. Radon can cause tumors anywhere within the respiratory tract.

    Symptoms

    • Up to 25 percent of dogs exhibit no clinical signs of lung cancer. Those that do, manifest a chronic cough that can produce blood or phlegm. Some may limp--a sign the cancer has metathesized into the bones. This is called hypertrophic osteopathy, where the limbs swell and the bone overgrows.

    Time Frame

    • Dogs exhibiting symptoms of lung cancer and the effects of radon average 11 years old.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Homeowners must never smoke around their pets and have them checked annually. Surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed to treat the tumors. They should have their homes tested and take action if radon is present. Certain ventilation systems, like a vent pipe and fan, will vent the radon to the outside. Also sealing foundation cracks and other openings will render the system even more efficient.