What’s in the Air on Long Island?

Long Islanders are no strangers to conversations about their environment. From concerns about drinking water to days when smoke drifting in from wildfires affects the air quality, many residents pay close attention to what may be present in the air around them.

Some risks are easy to notice. Wildfire smoke can create hazy skies, an unusual smell, or irritation in the eyes and throat. Other risks can be present for years without any obvious warning signs.

Radon Exposure

There may be an invisible risk inside of your home called radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter a home through cracks and openings in its foundation. Radon can be found in homes throughout New York State. Long-term exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the leading cause among people who do not smoke. It has no color, smell, or taste, so the only way to know whether it is present is to test for it. Fortunately, home radon tests are widely available, and elevated levels can often be reduced with a professionally installed mitigation system.

Testing is especially important because radon levels can vary from one home to the next. A neighbor’s result cannot tell you what the level of radon may be inside your own home.

Smoking

Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer. Secondhand smoke also increases the risk, which means lung health can be affected even if you have never personally smoked. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps a person can take to protect their health, but former smokers may still remain at an increased risk for years. That is where screening can make an important difference. 

Studies have found that screening people at high risk with low-dose CT has reduced lung cancer deaths by about 20 percent compared with screening by chest X-ray. This is because lung cancer screening can find concerning changes before symptoms appear, when lung cancer may be easier to treat.

At New York Imaging Specialists, lung cancer screening is designed to be simple and comfortable. Our on-site board-certified radiologists review your images promptly and communicate the results to your referring physician, helping you understand what comes next without unnecessary delays.

You may not be able to control everything in the air around you, but you can take steps to better understand and protect your lung health. Testing your home for radon, avoiding tobacco smoke, paying attention to air quality, and asking whether screening is right for you can all make a meaningful difference.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with New York Imaging Specialists, call (833) 269-4624.