Kitchen radon exposure, ventilation behaviors, and awareness in non-smoking female lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Abstract

e22554 Background: Radon is an established lung carcinogen, yet its exposure characteristics within household kitchen microenvironments and related behavioral factors remain poorly characterized. We investigated kitchen radon exposure, ventilation behaviors, and awareness among non-smoking female lung adenocarcinoma patients to inform targeted prevention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 90 lifelong non-smoking women with histologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. Continuous radon monitoring compliant with national standards was performed for 30 days in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. Standardized questionnaires assessed cooking behaviors, exhaust fan usage, and motivations. Structured cognitive assessments evaluated awareness of radon and indoor pollutants. Associations between radon levels, behaviors, and housing characteristics were analyzed. Results: Kitchen radon concentrations were significantly higher than other living spaces. Without exhaust fan use, peak kitchen concentrations reached 752±124 Bq/m³, exceeding the WHO reference level by 7.5-fold; with fan use, levels decreased to 315±58 Bq/m³ but remained elevated. Continuous exhaust fan operation for ≥10 minutes reduced radon concentrations to < 200 Bq/m³, representing a ~55% post-cooking reduction. No patients initiated exhaust fans before cooking, and only 18% delayed shutdown after cooking, with < 8% delaying ≥10 minutes. Major barriers included noise disturbance (70%), electricity cost (22%), and habitual immediate shutdown (8%). Awareness of radon was extremely low: 99.1% had no prior knowledge, with a mean awareness score of 0.3±0.2 (5-point scale). Radon exposure correlated with building age, exhaust duct design, structural type, water use frequency, and natural stone materials. Conclusions: Home kitchens represent a significant yet underrecognized source of radon exposure in non-smoking female lung adenocarcinoma patients. Profound deficits in awareness and suboptimal ventilation behaviors, driven largely by noise concerns, contribute to elevated exposure. Incorporating kitchen radon monitoring, improving exhaust fan design, and promoting evidence-based ventilation practices may substantially reduce radon-related lung cancer risk.