Which cancer-causing agent is responsible for more lung cancers than radon?

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for a significantly higher percentage of lung cancer cases compared to radon. Research has consistently shown that smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer, contributing to about 85% of all cases. When individuals smoke, they inhale a mixture of toxic substances, including carcinogens that directly damage lung tissue and lead to cancer development.

While radon is a notable risk factor for lung cancer, particularly in households that have high levels of radon gas, its impact is much smaller in comparison to that of smoking. As such, public health initiatives prioritize smoking cessation as a crucial step in reducing the incidence of lung cancer. Other agents, like asbestos, pesticides, and air pollution, do contribute to cancer risks, but they do not surpass the risk presented by smoking.