Scientists from the Canadian University of Calgary have discovered a simple and unexpected method for early detection of lung cancer, by analyzing samples from toenails, as this detection helps doctors identify people at risk.
The innovative method is based on an exciting scientific fact, which is that the body, after inhaling radon gas, turns it into radioactive lead, then stores it in slow-growing tissues such as nails. Using precise measuring techniques, scientists were able to determine the amount of radioactive lead in nails with high accuracy.
The researchers were able to detect the lead-210 isotope resulting from the decomposition of radon in 39 out of 55 nail samples analyzed (71%), and it appeared that people who inhaled high levels of radon in their homes for an average of 26.5 years had much higher levels of this isotope in their toenails.
The results also revealed that this effect remains clear even 6 years after they moved to safer places. This means that our nails maintain a permanent record of our exposure to dangerous environmental factors.
The researchers pointed out that this discovery is an important step towards saving the lives of thousands of people, especially non-smokers who may develop lung cancer due to their exposure to radon without realizing it.
It is worth noting that “radon” is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is formed as a result of the decay of uranium and radium in rocks, soil, and water. It can be inhaled, and when it accumulates in enclosed spaces such as homes and mines, it can pose a health risk and cause lung cancer.