Globally, Radon—a naturally occurring radioactive gas—is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Despite this, radon remains a largely underappreciated health threat in Nigeria. Public awareness and data about the extent of radon exposure and its potential health impacts are limited. While international studies link radon exposure to increased lung cancer risk, Nigeria—on national and many state levels—has yet to take the necessary steps to monitor and mitigate this risk. Even though lung cancer is not currently viewed as a major health challenge in Nigeria, the absence of a comprehensive national database masks the real risks posed by environmental factors such as radon exposure. Studies suggest low smoking rates, but without accurate data on lung cancer and radon exposure, the true extent of the threat remains unclear. A national database is crucial to reveal hidden risks and guide preventative action before lung cancer from radon becomes a significant public health issue. This article highlights the gaps in radon research in Nigeria and stresses the importance of establishing a national radon database to inform public health interventions and reduce the risk of lung cancer associated with radon exposure.
Radon is formed naturally through the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes and buildings through cracks and openings in floors and walls. Once inhaled, radon’s radioactive decay products can damage lung tissue, which may eventually lead to lung cancer. Globally, it is estimated that radon exposure contributes to a significant percentage of lung cancer cases. In some regions, radon accounts for up to 14% of lung cancer cases. Currently, while studies from various Nigerian establishments suggest elevated radon levels in some residential and public spaces, there is a great lack of comprehensive data collection and public awareness. This limitation creates difficulties in fully grasping the extent of radon exposure and its potential contribution to lung cancer cases in Nigeria. Furthermore, several studies conducted across various regions of the country highlight that multiple factors contribute to radon exposure, with high levels recorded in some areas but not in others. For example, one study found that geography plays a role, as high levels of radon were detected in groundwater samples from Jos, Plateau State.
In her work on radon exposure with the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Onyeka Ukpoju-Ebonyi can attest that health education programs aimed at raising awareness about radon exposure risks and prevention strategies were highly effective and supported by data. While programs were designed to involve local health agencies and community leaders in Florida, the principles behind these campaigns can be adapted to Nigeria. Education plays a critical role in empowering communities to understand environmental health risks, and implementing such a campaign in Nigeria could have a similar positive impact in terms of increasing radon awareness and prompting public action.
While some regions have reported elevated radon concentrations, these findings are scattered and lack a centralized reporting system. A national database would serve multiple purposes, including identifying high-risk areas, informing policymakers on building regulations, and supporting targeted public health campaigns. The creation of such a database would enable the government and public health officials to better understand the magnitude of radon exposure and take appropriate action to protect public health. These databases should not only be limited to radon but also address other health challenges of public health significance.
Establishing a national radon database is critical for developing effective public health strategies. Such a system would help identify geographic areas with high radon concentrations, ensuring that mitigation efforts, in the face of very limited resources, are targeted to areas of greatest need. Moreover, this data would inform public health campaigns aimed at educating both the public and healthcare professionals about the risks of radon exposure and the importance of measures like regular testing. Without this information, it is impossible to implement evidence-based policies that can effectively reduce the risks associated with radon.
The public health implications of addressing radon exposure in Nigeria cannot be overstated. A key step in reducing the risk of radon-induced lung cancer is increasing awareness among both the public and healthcare providers. Educational campaigns must emphasize the importance of radon testing, particularly in high-risk regions. Additionally, healthcare providers need to be aware of radon as a potential risk factor for lung cancer, so they can incorporate it into their diagnostic considerations when treating patients with respiratory conditions. In other countries, public health initiatives have successfully raised awareness about radon, leading to increased testing and mitigation efforts. A similar approach in Nigeria would undoubtedly reduce the number of lung cancer cases related to radon exposure.
However, several barriers have contributed to the limited attention given to radon exposure in Nigeria. First, there is a general lack of awareness about the health risks associated with radon among both the public and healthcare professionals. Many people are unfamiliar with radon as a health hazard, and the public health discourse in Nigeria tends to focus on more immediate threats, such as infectious diseases. Additionally, the country’s healthcare system is overburdened with managing acute health crises, leaving little room to address longer-term environmental health risks like radon exposure. Another significant challenge is the lack of infrastructure for regular radon testing and reporting, which hampers efforts to identify and mitigate high-risk areas.
To move forward, Nigeria must take decisive steps to address the issue of radon exposure. The creation of a national radon database is the first step in understanding the extent of the problem. Public health officials must then use this data to launch targeted education campaigns and develop policies to reduce radon exposure, particularly in high-risk areas. Integrating radon testing into existing environmental health protocols and updating building regulations to include radon-resistant construction techniques are also essential components of a comprehensive strategy to reduce radon-related lung cancer cases.
Public health professionals, particularly those with specialized experience in environmental health, play a critical role in addressing radon exposure and its link to lung cancer. Dr. Onyeka Ukpoju-Ebonyi, with her extensive experience in radon exposure assessments and public health campaigns during her internship at the Florida Department of Health, exemplifies the importance of professional engagement. She proposed campaigns and conducted environmental assessments to measure radon levels, which informed public health recommendations. Professionals like Dr. Ukpoju-Ebonyi are essential in advancing the need for a national radon database and driving public awareness campaigns to mitigate health risks from radon exposure in Nigeria.
Nigeria can act now by establishing a radon database, raising public awareness, and integrating radon testing into its public health framework. By taking these steps, the country can protect future generations from the harmful effects of radon exposure and reduce the incidence of lung cancer caused by this silent, yet preventable, environmental hazard.
To protect public health and save lives, Nigeria must prioritize the creation of national databases, including a radon database, raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure, and take proactive steps to mitigate the risks.