Radon: An Iowan’s lung cancer journey - Maria Steele

A week before Christmas in 2019, life-long health care practitioner Maria Steele was introduced to the presence of radon in Iowa.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is tasteless, odorless and colorless. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and national health organizations rank radon as the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. More than 71% of Iowa homes are above EPA exposure guidelines, according to the Iowa Radon Survey. 

Maria had no family history of cancer in her family and never smoked. However, a heavy feeling in her chest had her concerned. After heart disease was ruled out, chest imaging detected a mass in her lung later confirmed as lung cancer. 

Maria is also sharing her journey on her blog. 

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