We spend a lot of time with our pets. We love them and they are important to us. It’s natural to wonder if their radon exposure is something to worry about. Does radon effect dogs? Can radon cause cancer in cats?
One study says that primary pulmonary neoplasia is higher in dogs and cats in zone 1 high risk radon counties. There is not a lot of research on the subject, but we can postulate some other hypothesis below.
Testing for radon is simple and affordable. Do it for your pets or do it for yourself. Read more here, order a test kit, or call your local health department to see if free ones are available in your area.
Proximity to Sources
In most homes, radon gas is pulled into buildings from the soil due to the stack effect. That’s why the lowest floor of your home (ground level or basement) have the highest radon levels. It’s a misconception that radon “sinks” to those levels. Radon is extremely light. Yes it’s heavier than other components of our atmosphere but our HVAC systems move it around and spread it throughout the home. Lower levels have more because they’re closer to where it enters so concentrations are higher. Most American pets spend time much closer to the ground that we are. That’s simply due to their smaller stature. So it’s natural that they will receive a higher does of radon exposure than a human, simply due to our height difference.
If your pet sleeps on the floor, they also may get a dose of thorium. Thorium is one of radon’s decay products. Radon itself is inert and cannot harm you. Read this article on how radon decays and how it causes cancer. Know that thorium is not often measured when performing radon risk analysis, because it decays so quickly that it’s often turned into another element before it reaches the height of the average person’s mouth and nose. That may not be the case for your pets, which could lead to higher radon decay product exposure.
Respiration Rate
On average, cats and dogs breathe 10-30 times per minute. Adults breathe 12-20 times per minute. Newborns and children breathe anywhere form 18-60 times per minute. In general, the smaller the mammal, the more frequently they breathe. It stands to reason that the more often you bring air into your lungs, the more chances you have to bring radon and its decay products into your lungs as well.
A depressing anecdote
I’ve heard horror stories from radon professionals, on more than one occasion, that a homeowner finally decided to test for radon because their pets were dying prematurely. These people unfortunately noticed that their beloved family cats and dogs were getting cancer at a higher rate than their peers. They tested for radon and found that their homes had high levels. Unfortunately, their pets were the “canary in the coalmine” for these families.
Signs of lung ailments in pets
Lung cancer in both humans and pets often shows very little signs until it has spread and has entered stage IV. Here are some signs of pulmonary issues to look out for in your pet. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Follow the EPA guidelines for radon testing.
- Chronic hacking or coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Appetite loss
- Abnormal swelling or lumps, particularly in the torso
More research
The mechanism of alpha decay damaging lung tissue and creating cancer mutations is well-proven for humans, but there simply is very little research on other mammals. More research and awareness needs to be brought to radon the exposure other animals face. Genesis Creation Project CEO, Joshua Keyes, is working on outreach and research efforts. Use our contact us form if you’d like to be connected to Josh for a radon awareness event at your school, zoo, vet clinic, or any other opportunity.
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