Kathy Griffin Says Her Doctors Think Her Lung Cancer May Have Been Caused by Radon Poisoning

Kathy Griffin got candid about her lung cancer diagnosis. The celebrity said she had never smoked in her life but got the disease.

Kathy Griffin Shares Doctors' Theory About Her Lung Cancer

On Monday, Rep Eric Swalwell shared a message on Twitter that read, "F*** Cancer." He also asked his followers to retweet the post if they agreed.

He also suggested possible solutions to end cancer, including funded testing, screening, and therapies, putting more doctors and scientists into the field, a more agile FDA, sponsored school nutrition awareness and ending chemical exposure.

The last part may have resonated with Griffin, who agreed with Swalwell's call. According to the American actress and comedian, she was diagnosed with lung cancer even if she had never smoked. Her doctors reportedly told her it could be due to radon poisoning, Newsweek reported.

Griffin's voice changed following her lung cancer surgery. It altered her voice to a higher pitch, the outlet added.

The "Suddenly Susan" star in a video that she may have maxed out about how much vocal apparatus can recover from the damage done due to her lung cancer surgery. She said they would try another injection in her left vocal cord, which was already paralyzed.

Griffin also mentioned getting a fully arytenoid surgery and, later, a permanent one, which they call an implant to her vocal cord.

What Is Radon Poisoning?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced when uranium, thorium, and radium break down in soil, rock, and water. It is released into the air. However, it is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, according to Healthline. Thus, it's challenging to know when you are exposed to it.

Radon can come up through the ground and into your home through cracks, and once it's trapped inside, it builds up. It can also get into your home through well water.

Radon exposure can happen in any home and is more likely to accumulate in well-insulated, tightly sealed buildings and in soil rich in uranium, thorium, and radium.

Most people are unaware that their homes are already putting them at risk, and the only way to know if your home is radon-free is to have it tested.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It comes next to smoking and kills 21,000 American annually, with many being poisoned at homes without their knowledge.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, radon exposure normally encountered in the environment causes no acute or subacute health effects and no irritating effects. It also has no warning signs.

However, lung cancer is the primary adverse health effect of exposure to increased radon levels. But it may take years for lung cancer to develop. Smokers exposed to elevated radon levels increase their already heightened risk of lung cancer.

Several states already have radon regulation programs mandating that hazards be disclosed when selling a home. But then again, the best way to know if radon is present in your home is to have a test done.

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