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Tracing Long-Term Radon Gas Exposure With… Toenails?

The surprising biological archive of past radon gas exposure that may help improve lung cancer screening

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Research from the University of Calgary has developed a novel method to assess long-term radon exposure and its link to lung cancer by analyzing toenail clippings for radioactive lead isotopes. This technique overcomes limitations of traditional home radon testing, enabling a comprehensive assessment of historical exposure that is necessary for refining cancer risk evaluations. The method holds promise for expanding eligibility for lung cancer screenings, especially for non-smokers, and addresses important environmental health concerns related to radon and potentially wildfire smoke.

Original Source(s)

Tracing Long-Term Radon Gas Exposure With… Toenails?

The surprising biological archive of past radon gas exposure that may help improve lung cancer screening

  • by Henry Thomas

  • November 26, 2025

  • 9 min

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