The tunnel where people pay to inhale radioactive gas

[@TomScottGo]

No matter how I talk about this, someone will be angry at me: from skeptics who say that even this carefully-worded video is dangerous; to radon therapy advocates who'll be frustrated that I seem to be dismissing patients' testimonials. So to be crystal clear about my point in this video: my message is "This is a thing. It is interesting. We should study it more. If it works, it could help an enormous number of people. If it doesn't, we should probably stop doing it."

[@OKobern]

i see

[@pfade1]

Same

[@Carter_C727]

Two days ago?

[@reorders9868]

don't worry tom im not angry

[@StrokeMahEgo]

@@Carter_C727 posted but not public

[@michaelbaker7499]

"More studies are needed" is not a weak answer, it's an honest answer. And, in the overwhelming majority of cases, it's true.

[@Abhi-qm3jj]

Ghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh skwksisisiisis Iaiaiak iOS game was fun and fun m the game and then you can do it it u was a good good time for me green day and then you got to go to play another what game you are u gonna is a time for me to come back and play ark

[@ophiolatreia93]

Weak

[@OfficialSuperMKG]

No it's not a week answer, it's not an honest answer either. It's a year answer.

[@josh_final]

It's not a week answer, it's a weak answer

[@mjohnson2807]

You're correct, it's a year answer

[@webratjen]

'More studies are required' is not a weak ending. It is a valid, and open, and genuine ending. It is the reason I subscribe. I value your words Tom Scott. To me you have integrity.

[@flexo3333]

...such a rarity these days. Isn't it definitely so, and who suspects it could be else is wrong...?

[@ValleysOfRain]

It's one of those things like where saying "I don't know" is weakness. Or "I don't have enough information to make a judgement" isn't considered a valid answer. It's daft.

[@hypnotoad28]

@@ValleysOfRain I've noticed that more and more people are becoming unwilling to say that they "don't know".

[@spacemanx9595]

@@hypnotoad28 are they old boomers??

[@seeriktus]

It's true, but it's also a cop out. You could equally give a paragraph of what kind of studies are required, what kind of things they should be looking at, methods, and what knowledge gaps we presently have from existing studies. Ask yourself if you were to do more studies yourself, what would you do in these studies?

[@cancan-wq9un]

"I also have a duty to the truth: scientific, historical or personal." A great quote from captain Picard.

[@explorer47422]

This could be his Starfleet Academy application video! Totally deserves to wear that uniform ;)

[@RockyRoader]

But Tom says *scientifical, historical or personal.

[@PetrosofSparta]

I’m so glad someone else caught this!!

[@quillaja]

Tom does wear a red shirt frequently.

[@ConeJellos]

I think Picard would use an Oxford comma though.

[@ilikaplayhopscotch]

Tom wouldn’t go to a random tunnel, it would always be a VERY specific tunnel.

[@simonseis744]

It's a radon tunnel, not a random tunnel.

[@chiliman_Wasser]

@@simonseis744 that was a joke y

[@chiliman_Wasser]

@@simonseis744 or was it 😂

[@saxonjf]

The odds of finding something fascinating by picking a tunnel randomly: very small. The odds of Tom making an interesting video with his ability to find fascinating topics, almost 100%.

[@unvergebeneid]

@@simonseis744 Thanks, I had no idea what the OP was talking about.

[@aristoth]

I misread it as "random tunnel" and was sure Tom had finally visited every noteworthy place

[@prismaticc_abyss]

"This Tunnel in the middle of germany doesnt seem That interesting, because its not"

[@philvanderlaan5942]

‘ F-it I don’t really care this week , but I need to put out a video , so here is this tunnel I just happened to be near .’ Is that what you were thinking? Aristoth ?

[@louburnett6782]

After 25 years with chronic pain I would be absolutely willing to try this out. I am less afraid of radiation than some of the very addictive drugs that are currently prescribed. More research in chronic pain is needed across the board.

[@lolly166541]

I'm sure that the pain medication that I've had to take over the last 15 Years have done more damage than that tunnel could EVER do to me.

[@Thestuffnope]

@@lolly166541 well, they could decide to pump in a level of radon thats way over safe levels. With a overwhelming amount of radon, you can die just from lack of oxygen.

[@sirmickofnottingham8244]

I completely agree, I have had chronic pain for 14 years and take loads of medication, if this reduced my pain levels I could live a much better quality of life - sometimes I can’t even get out of bed because of the pain, I have a wheelchair because I cannot stand for very long because of the pain - if this therapy worked it could save the NHS millions of pounds and make a massive difference to the lives of people with chronic pain. Could someone please fund a research programme in this facility please……

[@substanzemusic3354]

@@Thestuffnope well they could, but why would they though..?

[@BaffledBelief]

@@Thestuffnope a rx could be messed up. A doctor could goof. You might be given something your unknowingly allergic to and so and so forth. 🤷

[@MedlifeCrisis]

Superb and balanced video as always, better than many doctors’ analyses of similar ‘therapies’. But just because the Germans are less bombastic than Americans in their claims about what can be achieved, this is unproven and more likely to be quackery than not. As Tom pointed out the potential exists to genuinely test this, yet with so many things, the motivation rarely comes from within the alternative medicine community. Let’s hope the video helps.

[@nonchip]

also, let's be honest, if the alternative medicine community (or even the company running that place) were the ones to do or pay for the test, could we believe the results? ;)

[@kevinkramer4310]

@El Dimos Karam Interesting theory, but do not underestimate the heaps of culturally shared remedies and medicines of which we have yet to harness the power by applying modern science methods and technology.

[@pattheplanter]

Xenon is, apparently, much more -fun- therapeutic. Surprisingly similar effects to laughing gas. Perhaps radon has similar properties unrelated to the radioactivity. What a shame there are no really stable isotopes for comparison.

[@1Hippo]

Even if the study is done by a University team and they pay for the location, the tunnel operators would have such a strong interest to get a positive result. A official confirmation that it works would surely boost the business, otherwise they might go out of business or even get their license revoked. I am sure they would try to botch the results somehow...

[@goldenghostinc]

@@1Hippo easily solved by having the university team replace the normal operators. Didn't sound to complecated to turn the flow on or off for a certain pipe.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

The videos where Tom goes to a place and digresses into talking about the meta-story of the story he's telling about the place are some of my favorites. This is right up there with "Why You Can't Trust Me" and "The Moire Effect that Guides Ships Home."

[@Wolfeur]

My favourite is "A Town Called Asbestos"

[@elfinvale]

i now have to go find all those types of videos - i love all of them too. seeing others' creative processes is both fascinating and also helps my own processes ^_^

[@K3end0]

@@elfinvale I know right? seeing the intended final product is obviously entertaining, but getting to see what its like trying to *get* there is just as tool.

[@ToonamiT0M]

"More studies are required" is always an acceptable conclusion to come to.

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

Usually. Except when you have limited time to make a decision. Like we probably don't need to do any more studies into whether parachutes work.

[@symawi312]

@UCl-q0oZW9kz-iHwCexVBNxg It's always an acceptable conclusion, you cannot force clear outcomes so sometimes it simply is the case that more studies are required. Of course it can be a WRONG conclusion if it's not actually true that more studies are required, but situations where it is the case do exist and in those situation it's totally acceptable.

[@flyingpanhandle]

​@UCl-q0oZW9kz-iHwCexVBNxg Depends are you suggesting parachutes always work in all scenarios? Because we know they aren't 100% successful otherwise we wouldn't run with backups. More studies are required is always a valid conclusion.

[@paxwort]

@@iAmTheSquidThing "each subject was given either a parachute or a placebo"

[@rory6987]

@@symawi312 well now I have no choice but to be a pedant, since you said "always". I think it's objectively wrong to say we need more studies about the cause of climate change before focusing on lowering greenhouse gas emissions

[@dairymold]

I live in Iowa, a state where not having a basement can be a death sentence during tornado season... and having a basement can be a possible death sentence for reasons related to radon.

[@wody21]

Catch 22 it is :/

[@KellyS_77]

Radon mitigation exists. We had radon in our basement in Ohio, it's a simple fan system that takes the radon up through a pipe and out the roof of the house.

[@revcanon5744]

@@KellyS_77 youre lying ohions dont need basements to survive a tornado they scare the tornado away

[@antoniozavaldski]

One of them can kill you instantly, The other has a small chance of giving you cancer in a decade or two. I'd be more afraid of tornadoes.

[@KanyeTheGayFish69]

I live in Nebraska and I don’t know anyone whose house was hit by a tornado

[@DMLand]

For many subjects-this one included-the only honest answer is, "we simply don't know, but we have an idea of how to find out." That's not weak, that's science. In an era where confident idiots hold sway over public opinion, I welcome your acknowledgement that "further study is needed."

[@huntermosely7420]

Took the words out of my mouth

[@LuLeBe]

Yes, but we also shouldn't sell this to people as a "potential treatment". There is no remote proof that this does any good. So while I agree that neither outright dismissal nor approval is warranted, selling this to sick people with no other hope really comes close to saying "this will help". Instead they should use their tunnel for research.

[@0Ciju0]

Having "an idea how to find out" is MASSIVE.

[@morzinbo]

@@LuLeBe we've been doing that for years with everything else. not sure why this is your problem.

[@FalconWindblader]

@@LuLeBe At certain points in medical research, you just CAN'T have conclusive evidence of whether something can actually work, until you test that something on the intended target, which in this case, people with chronic pain. Further research is needed, & further research in this case, is careful testing on willing participants.

[@corey1845]

Your approach to releasing information is an absolute top notch example of how it should be treated.

[@RichardVSmall]

I've been in constant pain for around 13 years now, been prescribed and struggled with opioid addiction and dependency for years, from which I am only recently recovering. To be honest I would try this, but I'm part of a vulnerable group who can fall victim to 'alternative medicine' scams, so I completely agree with this message.

[@VeI_2.0]

R.J. Spina's book!

[@dmo848]

Weed lots of weed helps. No bs well it helped me get off that crap

[@rubievale]

Weed made several of my friends psychotic, and it had a higher risk of psychosis associated with it than meth. The worst addict I've ever encountered was addicted to weed, and I'm a recovering opioid addict. They were completely destroyed from smoking the stuff. They lost their job, became increasingly anxious, paranoid, and just stayed in getting stoned. The worst thing I found about it is the way it makes you content to do nothing for hours. Suboxone would be a better idea. I used to be an absolute drug bucket, and I've thoroughly "researched" every illicit substance there is, and I think the dangers of weed are often ignored

[@MH_Binky]

"More studies are required" isn't a weak ending, it's a sequel hook.

[@Al69BfR]

And a scream for more funding. 😉

[@steckelton717]

In Germany, my state founded Helath insurance is still funding Homeopathy, but not a ongoing physiotherapy for a back problem I was diagnosed at and have struggled with since birth. So, as Tom rightfully pointed out in this great video, what they pay for does not tell you anything about if it works. It's just ist not as expensive for them as something that actually works.

[@FetusK1cker]

Skoliose?

[@Schrauberella]

This. Same for hearing aids or glasses. Yiu can't even avoid loss of hearing or your eyes getting bad... Its ridiculous!

[@ErikUden]

Damn. Which state? This is dumb.

[@numberpirate]

Homeopathy is from Germany, and imagine the national embarrassment that would occur if Germany actually admitted to the quackery?

[@crazydragy4233]

@@numberpirate Thinking like this is a big part of the problem. You're pushing people to double down.

[@morgantakach7106]

You’re one of the best video creators I’ve seen on KZbin, especially when it comes to responsible stewardship of information. You’re carefully balancing bias and investigating both sides thoroughly. Anyone who criticizes this video wasn’t listening to what you were saying throughout, which makes it abundantly clear that you’re simply providing this as a point of fascination and an area of future study, not as an endorsement.

[@--Skip--]

In total agreement. He has one terrific channel with tons of things that make a person THINK. Thanks Tom!!! ❤❤❤

[@MrNotamage]

This was about as responsibly as you could possibly handle this topic Tom. Very brave of you to put this video out and I applaud you for it. Hearing the claims I am much like yourself and very skeptical, but this is one of those things where there's just enough testimonial from patients that we really do need to have a definitive study done to evaluate whether the effects are entirely placebo, or there's something new we have to learn about radiation.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

spot on. precisely right

[@brianhaygood183]

Yep. Exactly. I'd probably benefit tremendously from ten one hour treatments of sitting in a quiet spot in a nice inviting space. Shouldn't be hard to do a controlled trial since people can't detect Radon at all.

[@seraphina985]

Indeed, while the plural of anecdote is not evidence where an apparent pattern of observations suggest there is a there to go that is sufficient to justify entertaining seeking out, formalising and testing credible hypothesizes that could explain the apparent existence of said pattern.

[@RoxyStellar]

@@brianhaygood183 maybe not you , bet some peep's can tho

[@alphagt62]

Where I live in the US, any home that measures any radon at all is condemned! Radiation is a known source of cancer, I just can’t imagine how it could ever be good for you? Uranium miners out west died by the hundreds from working in uranium mines back in the 50’s. Whole towns are condemned, fenced off from the public. But, if these people think it’s helping them, who am I to argue?

[@heckingbamboozled8097]

Tom, this was a very responsible way to tackle an experimental treatment like this. Thank you for being the gold standard of how to research and discuss things like this on KZbin. It's a breath of fresh air, especially with all the drama surrounding Veritasium as of late.

[@LorenzJahn]

What drama are you referring to?

[@mibadada]

I would also like to know!

[@inatinybox7210]

@@LorenzJahn Tom Nicholas' latest video covers it

[@inatinybox7210]

​@@mibadada Veritasium took money to talk about self driving cars in an unethical way

[@17xyz17]

"a breath of fresh air" how appropriate 😂 (sorry for pointing out the terrible pun)

[@Leock]

This is interesting considering where I work for at least three days of the week I absorb 10,000Bq for 4hr a day. The only mental or physical change even when I was going through pain with a dislocating shoulder was Radon just made me more tired and exhausted after work. We've had builders come into the cavern to build a bar and they told us it was taking a few days more than usual projects that size as everyone just feels exhausted. Radon is such a fascinating mystery for now.

[@UnordEntertainment]

maybe because too much exposure means the body needs to repair itself more than it usually would need to, thus taking up more energy/resources thus making you feel tired?

[@TsarofTrolling]

@@UnordEntertainment Or it's just because there is less oxygen

[@DoctorX17]

I think you had a healthy dose of skepticism with this. As someone who is eternally in pain, I'd like to see this studied further, but as a skeptical person, I ain't goin' in no radioactive tunnel without proof

[@gavxps1]

Do not expose yourself to radiation, risk addiction to codeine.

[@dog-ez2nu]

@@gavxps1 Living causes cancer. Nowhere is safe.

[@ShabeerSniper]

@@dog-ez2nu less than 5% chance in a humans prime

[@transbiologistthetransesto7956]

@@ShabeerSniper 5% chance is way higher than I'd like for it to be. How likely would you want it to be for one of your loved ones to slowly suffer to death?

[@jimmymifsud1]

I believe one of the reasons Scott allowed this video to air, was the low risk when being exposed; it’s less than going for an international flight

[@crumbs7826]

Looks like Tom is talking about some kind of tunnel Rn.

[@erich.5326]

Ha!

[@swaree]

hats off

[@bobsquashv2742]

Fair play

[@Snivy_Films]

Nice one

[@Milamberinx]

👏👏👏 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mermeridian2041]

I think you handled this issue well. You do have "duty of care" to ensure that you present facts, as many facts as possible, but only the available facts to your audience, and you did that. Good job!

[@TomFromMars]

Or, in this case, the absence of clearly established facts.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

this is _100%_ true dude

[@TomFromMars]

@@DannySullivanMusic depends on what you mean by true. I trust Tom that this is not a fabricated story and i would even believe that people with actual chronic pains have been cured this way. In no way does it mean that the proposed mecanism behind this treatment is the one proposed. You might say "whatever, as long as it works". Except evidence based medicine only works with replicable results that can then be used to treat more patients. If the results are only due to placebo effect and not the radon, wouldn't it be better to not expose the patient to radiation, even in small doses?

[@Chaosrunepownage]

Radon is a huge problem in my area, so it's interesting to see someone using it as alternative medicine. People are very scared since it's completely random and very localized issue, like in a city block you can have one house with radon and another completely clear.

[@cubertmiso]

Same. Easy to measure, easy to sell things that lessens the real or perceived problem. Probably truth is something in-between depending on the illness. Like Metal-illness Vs. Cancer.

[@rich1051414]

It's not alternative medicine. It's an alternative to pain medication. You still need a doctor's prescription or they will not let you in.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Speaking as someone with chronic pain, I would love to see a study on this. I've given up on travelling anywhere, as it is so hard to get over the after-effects of the travel - even a car engine's vibration is torture, but I'd consider it if there was actually the possibility of an improvement. When the only other options are carrying on with large amounts of opiates and other meds, being put into a coma with ketamine or inhaling radioactive gas, the gas doesn't seem too bad.

[@joseph-medicis]

How do the vibrations of the car hurt you?

[@Mungstein]

I can recommend a book called The Mind Body Prescription and also The Divided Mind, both by Dr John Sarno. I used to have chronic pain myself and was almost suicidal at one point as it was so unbearable. After reading those books and following the self help guides (fairly simple stuff, no cost involved) I got rid of the pain. I still have the occasional flare up but nothing like as bad as it used to be. I hope you are able to recover. All the best.

[@Timsturbs]

well test it and tell us if it worked

[@mrreisskeks3441]

@@joseph-medicis for patients with chronic pain the vibration of a car engine can feel like being violently shaken around would feel like for a healthy person.

[@daviddavidson2357]

You can always test it. Last time I checked you could buy uranium ore online. Or buy an X-ray tube and administer ionising ratiation that way. Provided that it's the radiation and not a specific property of radon itself. Noble gasses seem to have some interesting neurological effects, particularly Xenon which is an anaesthetic gas, like nitrous oxide but much more potent (and much, much more expensive), Helium causes narcosis (apparently) at high pressures and definitely causes high pressure nervous syndrome. Obviously to breathe helium at such high pressures you either need to be in a hyperbaric chamber breathing heliox or under a few hundred metrers of water. If Radon is bioaccumulative to an extent it might work similarly to xenon but over a longer time period and not many people are going to volunteer to breathe a mixture of 79% Rn and 21%O2 just to see if it causes analgesia. You could test it on rats however.

[@keitheilish7983]

Of course they didn’t find Mercury in that tunnel, it’s a planet.

[@cezarcatalin1406]

😂

[@ABC-vv4cm]

Nice

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

If they're looking for Mercury, he's probably going to be on Mount Olympus.

[@auburnsmith5610]

mercury no fit in tunnel

[@gubx42]

There is earth in that tunnel, so why not Mercury?

[@JeffRAllenCH]

This looks to me like a giant, well managed, and highly effective placebo machine. Good on 'em: stopping chronic pain is worthwhile. But, please, run the study.

[@davidc8676]

It could be, it might not be. Radiation is used in other real medical practices, particularly in killing cancer. "Damage" therapy is used all over the medical world, usually as a way to cause the body to initiate repairs on itself. For example, there's dermal needling (causing damage to make skin repair itself), or applying certain strong acids to wounds to provoke an immune response (like treating the wound left by removing HPV/warts). Obviously, could be a placebo machine, but it's not totally outlandish, in my mind. Obviously, Tom Scott has pointed out a very good study to perform. Either outcome would be a net positive for the medical community, as both discovering what works and what doesn't work is always helpful.

[@OytheGreat]

Yes, to me too. Welcome to phase I for us both, I suppose, as Tom said! Just because we're convinced we are sceptic and scientific, doesn't mean this is some bogus. Always remain open for new ideas.

[@janlim0916]

This particular company probably wont, since the risk of the results would make them either with no money(If proven it doesn't really do anthing) or they would have more competitors (if proven it really works) 🤣

[@manuelredgrave8348]

I read the title as Random Tunnel, clicked for silver and struck gold

[@silentdrew7636]

Most of us did.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

To be fair, it is quite the random tunnel, only that it is a very specific random tunnel.

[@nigeltaylor72]

That you've conceived of a way to conduct a double blind test of this is the real headline here. As I was watching this video, I was thinking that there must be some element of relaxation therapy here. Sitting in those reclining chairs and quietly meditating in a cave would surely relax muscles and allow the participants to leave their stressful lives behind for a bit which is likely beneficial for pain relief. Even as a skeptic, I was enviously thinking how nice that would be to just sit there in contemplation. Your proposed trial would be able to keep all of those factors the same and change only the actual exposure to the gas. I'd be interested to see the results of such a trial. Whether you intended it or not, the challenge has been set.

[@MisterNohbdy]

Relaxation therapy would presumably produce at least some immediate results, though; they're clear here that it takes weeks for benefits to show. I don't think that's a major factor. (Although it's fairly easily falsifiable either way: just get rid of the chairs for a few months.)

[@JustAGooseman]

This feels sort of similar to sweat lodges just not as intense tbh

[@RobinTheBot]

@@MisterNohbdy Relaxing is a cumulative benifit. It could take weeks for significant results.

[@achim8239]

@@RobinTheBot And the guy at 4:42 said "it helped, it worked". I would endorse the help (some kind of placebo effect), but not the work...

[@kcbsuiejd]

From what Ive gathered, a lot of inflamation pain in people can be treated by applying heat. because of that, carefully measured doses of some radioactive stuff could theoretically help with things like Rheumatoid arthrosis if placed in/near the joints simply because the radiation keeps them warm I have no idea weather or not these gasses are usable for that.

[@Abrikosmanden]

Very good coverage of this topic! It does sound interesting. I think it's worth mentioning that homeopathy is a huge market in Germany! They're not exactly immune to quackery, even though this particular treatment seems somewhat tightly regulated.

[@HansStrijker]

For someone who doesn't know how to talk about something like this, you do a remarkable job of it! It's fair and balanced, doesn't oversell a (possible bunk) therapy, but doesn't dismiss it due to preconceived notions. I agree, it sounds like snake oil on first hearing of it, and I still don't necessarily believe it, but I also agree that it's well worth finding out the real deal of this. Very much a "more research is necessary"-situation. Props for this video!

[@AA_21861]

Am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of how Tom presents his content. Such fantastic nuance and balance without shifting into some no man's land of "both sides are important". PS - Plus points for the Star Trek reference. That Picard quote is one of my favourites.

[@Poppamunz]

What was the quote? I didn't notice it

[@jedite8395]

Dee one of Picard's best lines ever.

[@tomking6006]

You don't deserve. To wear. That. Uniform.

[@MenloMarseilles]

@@Poppamunz Tom's (or Wesley's) duty to "the truth, whether it is scientific, historical or personal".

[@terig8974]

I know I'm not the only one who prefers a video/essay that presents information without telling me what to think or feel about the topic.

[@cerjmedia]

it feels like this guy is literally one of the most reliable sources on KZbin full stop

[@jonas1015119]

As a german, I knew this *used* to be a thing, between the discovery and radiation and WWII there was an obsession with Radon for health production, famously including "Radon chocolate" which was even printed in my history book. Didnt know they still did these though.

[@meloney]

Did you mean Radon or Radium?

[@youtubeaccount6235]

@@meloney Technically both. The radon that radium naturally produces as it breaks down (called "emanations" back then) was thought to have all sorts of curative powers by quack doctors. This led to a lot of devices which housed radium that people could insert into their water to make it "Radio-active", usually through the production of radon gas within the water. The science on this is obviously questionable at best, and the amount of radon gas that would escape from these products and pollute the air around them regardless back in the day wouldn't have been ideal.

[@smalltime0]

Radium Emanation Bath salts were also a thing

[@macloricott13]

This is a brilliant video. As an engineer working in research, this is exactly how these things should be divulged, handled, and decided upon. Thank you, Tom.

[@tasty8186]

Not any more in this video than any of his others, but watching this distinctly had me feeling thankful that Tom Scott puts so much content out into the internet for us. You're an absolute top shelf product, Mr Scott - You deserve far more than your current sub count

[@caleb11549]

as a 20 year suffer of chronic pain it gets to the point where anything that could help feels like an amazing escape from the pain but a lot of the time it doesn't work i've been through it all. i wish one day everyone could be pain free and not have to go through the torment i've gone through i'm 25 and slowly losing my ability to walk because of the pain thank you tom

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

I could see that. When all other, proven, methods fail, the more exotic ideas can be worth a try.

[@cafold]

Did you try the radon therapy?

[@ABaumstumpf]

And that is the sad part - that is EXACTLY the type of people con-artists are targeting - those that have tried nearly everything that comes to mind.

[@forwhat7435]

I would sugggest telling yourself that this pain is not something wrong with your body but in your mind

[@justinhsu3253]

You may have Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), my friend, which will cause chronic ache all around your body, especially your lower back and hip joints. AS is usually caused by mutation on HLA-B27 and therefore cannot be cured entirely, but it can be greatly relived by taking NSAIDs or biopharmaceutical injections, just like me, also a serious AS patient.

[@seanfk]

"The tunnel where people pay to inhale radioactive gas" now that's a title Mr Scott. Hats off.

[@Documentally]

Cheers Tom. This might well be my new favourite video of yours. I always love your attention to detail and your ability to explain complicated ideas to any mind. But your consideration for the ethics of what, why and when information should be shared really shines in this video above all others. I wish the whole of KZbin could pay the same attention to these kinds of details. You are the healthy bit of a platform riddled with dodgy algorithms and dark patterns. Keep up the great work!

[@unthoughtwords]

Your meta/under-the-hood videos and the ones where you talk through how complex the responsibility of somebody with a platform and a desire to portray the truth are amongst your most unique and interesting (the Coober Pedy one comes to mind too). This one was handled with characteristic grace and intellectual honesty - thanks for a great video!

[@talosforeman3159]

3:50 "A duty to the truth, scientific or historical or personal" It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based! Now if you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don't deserve to use that uniform.

[@michaelhawkins151]

This is becoming a speech!

[@Basement-Science]

He's the captain sir, he's entitled.

[@flashbaggins427]

Tom does wear a red shirt after all...

[@rinoz47]

@@Basement-Science hmph. Im not entitled to ramble on about something everyone knows

[@pattheplanter]

@@flashbaggins427 Prepared to die for his beliefs, clearly.

[@SoftTinyBunny]

Tom, this was perfectly executed. Can't wait to see the double blind results and video in 2025.

[@wozza0013]

While treading a very precarious line , i think you did a great job ! And their is certainly my tests needed for chronic pain having lived with it now for 25 years !

[@kaspernilsson2605]

Fun fact: In Denmark we have building regulations for buildings housing people. The foundation must have a layer thats blocking Radon.

[@ImmortalAbsol]

I'd do the trial. Also love how responsible you've been with presenting this.

[@B3RyL]

I'd do the trial too, but I'm not in chronic pain so it probably doesn't make any sense for me to participate.

[@carlbutcher2268]

@@B3RyL Let's form a control group.

[@martixy2]

You approached this video in a clear and concise manner, with the right amount of scepticism and disclaimers. Hope we get a double-blind study about this, it's fascinating.

[@mcgherkinstudios]

In my 10 years of working with reactors, I’ve not in that entire time picked up 2.2mSv. I mean 2.2mSv isn’t a lot anyway, but still, it makes me laugh that people think reactors spew radiation everywhere when you can literally go and pay to have a bigger dose as a member of the public

[@MartynMc]

Just like the amount of radiation you're exposed to when going on a plane and the average person doesn't really understand. Nuclear fission reactors are by far the safest form of conventional energy.

[@abyssmoon6940]

@@MartynMc would have been better to keep fission and remove coal and gas etc but big problem with fission is if something goes wrong its big and Nuclear waste where no one really knows where to put it

[@MartynMc]

@@abyssmoon6940 That is true. I think even with the two incidients that have happened in the past the fatalities have still been far less than coal or gas. I think the only real problem is like you have said, the waste and where to put it.

[@hausaffe100]

until its expodes ore the waste stirage becomes leaky or steam needs to be vented....

[@solar0wind]

@@MartynMc Yes, you're correct. Even with Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear plants killed much fewer people than fossil fuels by far! Coal is the most lethal source of energy, but it kills slowly and gradually while nuclear plants need to have accidents to kill a lot of people.

[@AbsolXGuardian]

The big thing that made me go from "even if this is helping people somehow, it's dangerous and shouldn't be allowed" to "these are people at the end of their rope somehow receiving real help, we shouldn't take that from them" is that the dosing is equivalent to getting an additional knee CT scan every year. Yes you shouldn't get getting medically unnecessary scans, but we don't require that high of a need for one either. If you come into an ER and you've hit your head but you don't have an concussion symptoms, the staffs concern would be more about triage than an unnecessary CT scan. Also there's some evidence that the pomp and circumstance around a placebo effect is important- so a sugar pill is less effective than a saline injection. So if this is a placebo effect, the seriousness of radon therapy would explain why it's so effective.

[@SaarYanivsaar]

Skepticism is a sharp tool we use to carve the truth out of simple wishful thinking - Skepticism should not be used as a shield to hide from scientific progress. I think this was one of your best videos, and a truly honest discussion, into a possible and reasonable medical therapy. Nicely done Mate...!!

[@halcyon3773]

I mean....at least he's honest. That's a rare thing to see nowadays.

[@davidgreen3723]

Thank you, Tom. Studies are needed and they do need to be done by a fully regulated double-blind study. I have inflammatory conditions that cause a lot of pain, and it would be fascinating to see if there was, even temporarily, relief from the pain using Radon. Not all 'proper' drugs work for all people so having an alternative that could work for some, would be brilliant- - and obviously, if the study proved there was nothing in it, then so be it. The treatment could then be banned, and people could then look for another treatment - but not to study it would be a missed opportunity, I would also like to say thanks for a sensible, balanced video on this - it was brave of you, as you will know doubt get some crap over this, but doing this speaks to your integrity, honesty and being just a good person. Thank you.

[@olliemh2282]

Could be because Rheumatoid Arthritis is auto-immune, maybe something about exposing cells to radiation will prevent the body from attacking the joints/ligaments in your body. As someone who's suffered with chronic thoracic spine pain for 6 years... I'd love to give this a go. Can't be any more harmful than my liver processing painkillers.

[@customsongmaker]

Kratom is cheap at an Indian-owned convenience store near you

[@transbiologistthetransesto7956]

@@customsongmaker Don't be a supplement shill.

[@nemjef121]

@@customsongmaker Are you ok..

[@edenem]

@@customsongmaker A Puberty blocker is not a drug in the way you're thinking it is

[@Spartan322]

@@customsongmaker I don't think recommending people psychoactive herbal narcotics is all that good an idea, least not broadly, perhaps in low doses it could, but nobody responds to drugs the exact same, even the natural ones and recommending one solution, specifically such an extreme solution, its a terribly dumb idea. And don't call them a big pharma shill just because they don't like your solution, even if they're wrong, the chance they're actually a shill is low, even with an interest in natural remedies your view of them is unbalanced and inaccurate in the least. That aside why would you attack them? Even in despising the behavior, the person would be worth pity if they partook in such, not hatred, but yet you also assume that its not a joke (which perhaps it isn't but you were not capable to determine that off the bat) and that they support abusing children like that, which again is not inherent to the position. You can't berate people for what you have no proof on them for, and insulting them is only gonna alienate them and everyone who sees you act in such a way. By becoming an aggressor you make yourself and your positions look bad, as you do anyone who associates with either you or your positions. Kindness and humility are the most effective measures to spread a message alongside rationality. You seem quite emotional here, perhaps it best if you cool your jets, I agree with the disposition against transsexualism in whole (to speak in an honest and earnest case I despise any opposition to the natural male/female pair bonding order) however that does not give credence to undermine the value of their life. (which insults, negative assumptions, and irreverent tone commits)

[@reignofpie6945]

Your commitment to being as impartial as you possibly can be while recognizing your own biases and misgivings is why I watch your channel. You don't act like THE authority on anything, you provide info and let the viewer think for themselves.

[@ThePixel1983]

Reminds me of when you talked about radium water. "The treatment went fine ... until his jaw fell off."

[@crispyandspicy6813]

So it's jaw-dropping good then?

[@ThePixel1983]

@@crispyandspicy6813 You could say that! (As long as you still have your jaw.)

[@generalZee]

"More Studies Are Required" shouldn't be a weak ending. It's the only scientific ending there is. No true scientist ever says "Alright, it's all solved now. Time to go home." There's always another question, another lead, and another study.

[@INRamos13]

Except with climate change. The science is 100% settled on that one, yes sir.

[@auburnsmith5610]

based

[@imilegofreak]

Mathematicians would like to disagree (:

[@Ericbomb]

Yo shout out to that radon tunnel who are actually taking a balanced and scientific approach to this. They genuinely believe it's medicine, so they are treating it like it. Which means it cures specific things, under certain dosages, with certain variables. Crazy thing, glad you shared!

[@SneakyBadAssOG]

Well, you are dealing with radiation. One needs to be crazy or American to not care about the safety :)

[@jameswhatsit]

Really well balanced approach to a non-proven but also minimally harmful therapy. A significant portion of medical training is about teaching people to think like you have here (ie, weighing up risks/harms of treatment options vs the potential benefits).

[@JoeBleasdaleReal]

“Radon-Stollen” *THIS RADON IS GERMAN CHRISTMAS BREAD!* 🇩🇪🎄🍞

[@chadfalkin6850]

but if you heat it then it never happened

[@サンゴ礁Scleractinian]

"Stollen" actually also means tunnel (as in a mine)!

[@MarcusBurkenhare]

Are you handling Stollen goods?

[@kirmityou]

@@Stevie-J "Stollen" translates to "mine shaft" in german and is also a popular kind of cake or fruit bread eaten around christmas in germany.

[@ccf3294]

The Battle of Fishguard and Brandy S8 E1

[@mojar2680]

Its late november in England and he's just wearing a sweater with a t-shirt underneath.... what a mad lad

[@squatchjosh1131]

I don't know if being a Scot has anything to do with it but I was fine with just a jumper over my shirt on a trip in Oxford last weekend.

[@mrswanson5013]

I think it's late November everywhere mate

[@squatchjosh1131]

@@mrswanson5013 Isn't it like Summer in Australia? /s

[@mojar2680]

@@squatchjosh1131 but it would still be November :O

[@squatchjosh1131]

@@mojar2680 Notice the /s at the end there?

[@bricksoups]

I come to your channel to learn, and to find out things that are interesting and not something I’d otherwise have the chance to learn; I, and probably most other viewers, don’t come to this channel to be given an opinion on something. ‘More studies are needed’ is valid. I’d never heard of this, and having an unbiased view of different sides of an argument is still part of learning. This was a really cool video even if you couldn’t, or didn’t want to, form a definitive argument.

[@bella380]

Tom, in the world as it is now, I find it refreshing and comforting that there are people like you out there. People who take responsibility for their actions, struggle and agonize over the validity of their content, AND actually care about their viewers and how the video will affect the viewers! Thank You! Keep up the good work.

[@cgeissler]

And THIS, folks, is why I continue to watch Tom Scott. His occupation with accuracy and dedication to the interesting keep THIS guy interested. Stay classy, Tom! /keep up the good work! Hello from Indiana USA.

[@ValleysOfRain]

Not to be too political here, but god almighty you must be infuriated by your state, if your approach to science and bias is in line with Tom's.

[@captcephalopod2988]

@@ValleysOfRain Yes a lot of us Hoosiers are in a state of constant frustration.

[@harrickvharrick3957]

I only am amazed that the radon gas is released in ONE place, on one spot, coming out of the end of one piece of pipe. This at least makes it LOOK like one would receive a much higher dose when seated in the chairs immediately next to that outlet than one would get across the room in the corner.

[@yuvalne]

I would 100% guess that it's placebo. But my guess isn't science, it's a guess. Here's hoping this study happens. Heck, if they fly me all the way there, I'm very much willing to be a participant!

[@jblyon2]

Hell, if I was in pain and a placebo made my mind make the pain go away, I'm game.

[@RJFerret]

Placebo seems unlikely to kick in weeks later though. Generally a mental impact happens more directly in response to the stimulus. On the flip side, doing cellular damage to instigate rejuvenation processes, does seem likely to take time to come to pass. That said, does the damage done from the radiation cause greater discomfort in the meantime that is then reduced to return to the former level rather than a net gain? With just subjective feedback currently...

[@mauritsvanriezen8119]

@@RJFerret Seems a lot more likely to happen weeks later. Pain comes and goes at random, if it happens to get a little less a few weeks later people will think the placebo might have caused it. The longer the time the less likely the placebo is the actual cause.

[@yuvalne]

@@RJFerret If you're told it's often kicking in weeks later though, why not? Since placebo is all about suggestion, doesn't it depend on whatever is suggested to you?

[@kirmityou]

@@mauritsvanriezen8119 But didn't the video say the effects last up to or even longer than a year?

[@michaelnelson2976]

I really appreciate what was made here and how it was made. The care and attention you give is worthwhile and important. Thank you, and thanks to the team.

[@km077]

Tom: I don't know how to talk about this radon tunnel. also Tom: So anyway here is an exacly-10-minute-and-53-second video.

[@WestExplainsBest]

My thoughts exactly 3 minutes in!

[@Artemis19925]

This is so brilliantly put across. Your presentation style is so professional, and the research well discussed. And that conclusion at the end felt almost like a BBC documentary. Really enjoyed that.

[@hape3862]

I'm German, but I've never heard about this. I think Tom did a good job in presenting it to us.

[@thesciencefurry]

Same, I was actually in Bad Kreuznach today :p

[@craesh]

I'm living less than 100 km away and also never heard of it. I need to say that I learned a lot about Germany in the past few weeks - thanks to Tom!

[@JaySliZe]

This video is why I love this channel, it's not about endorsing a product or telling everyone that they should go do something, it's allowing people to learn things and allowing a conversation about it and having the viewer want to go and do more research about things. Great video Tom.

[@f.falkwings]

That kind of reminds me of a radioactive beach here in Brazil (Guarapari) in which scientists made some studies to show if there's any health benefits of radioactivity in (relatively) low doses. But, with Radon, things are very different, as it is GAS, and radioactivity is way more dangerous when it gets inside your body.

[@KaiSub]

If it actually helps with pain relief I'd gladly radiate myself. Having chronic pain sucks, it's miserable, and when no pain medicin works it can make you do things that are irreversible.

[@Opus313]

I'm never upset with Tom talking about things!

[@WestExplainsBest]

I see his conflict from a journalistic perspective, but simply presenting information and educating viewers is always a good thing, at least from a perspective of prompting research, curiosity, and inquiry to those that see your work.

[@fuzzyleapfrog]

As a scientist who was born and raised in Bad Kreuznach, I thank you very much for this video and especially for expressing your own confusion about the subject and treatment. Next time you stop by, let me know and I'll show you "Kneipp Therapy".

[@MrJuliansnow]

The cop out, that is "more information is needed" is not a cop out. It's the truth, and where we are with our knowledge. I was still entertained by your video and presentation. I also don't trust people that always know the answer to everything. Being able to say "I don't know" is a way to build trust.

[@CountKoski]

Congratulations Tom! You just made a splendid template for creators of materials that handle intrinsic conflict of interests. You are saying very relevant things for researchers and the media.

[@porlob]

I appreciated the extremely measured and carefully-worded thoughts knowing that you are walking into multiple minefields, but I wanted to let you know the Star Trek reference did not go unnoticed.

[@gigdug5784]

I think we can all agree that Tom definitely deserves to wear that uniform.

[@Muzer0]

Absolutely, was hoping to find someone else had spotted it :)

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

This definatly needs to be tested and I would love to hear the results. This is an absolutely fascinating question, thanks for covering it!

[@connorvanzant594]

doesn't matter what the subject is im watching it tom. your an amazing speaker, your edits and lack of with your continous shots never cease to amaze me and your enthusiasm is contagious. keep it up

[@RussellChapman99]

When I lived in Switzerland, I rented a house in an area with high Radon. The basement is an earth floor. The owner's family have had the house for several generations and I was told to limit my time in the basement by the owner. Three generations of his family, who had lived in the house, died from cancer. They stored a lot of food down there. I know commonality does not establish causality but I would not risk it. During my time in that house, the local government sent out Radon detectors to all houses in the region and the results were quite alarming, as are the cases of cancer. Lugano in Switzerland.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Interesting! And quite frightening

[@AndyGneiss]

I wonder if the slight radioactivity (if present) has any effect on the stored food, like a chance to kill bacteria, mold, or something.

[@misanthrope8803]

Very interesting

[@fingmoron]

@@AndyGneiss unsure about bacteria but I doubt it would affect mould that should be fine in a higher than normal amount of radiation.

[@testpilotian3188]

@@AndyGneiss that’s what has happened at Chernobyl, the radiation was so high not only did it kill everything, but it killed everything that would also rot things that were dead, so the dead trees there today are the same as the day of the accident because there has been no bacteria to rot them, quiet amazing in a strange, if not frightening, way.

[@サンゴ礁Scleractinian]

Omg, this is where my family is from! I've walked past here hundreds of time, have always been baffled by this institution. I assumed by default that it was just quackery (because there's a lot of that in Germany) but this was a very sensitive treatment of the issue - as always! Thanks Tom.

[@gibbbon]

found this video by accident, and i was like "hum, i saw that face before, and this is the sort of content i like to watch, why tf am i not subscribed to this channel yet? it's fixed now, got some backlog to watch now

[@xhantechan5324]

Love how the CEO wanted to translate the saying "Die Dosis macht das Gift" (the dosis makes the poison) but it just doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as in it's source language. One of the most intelligent sayings in my opinion btw!

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

It still gets the point across, even if it doesn't translate perfectly eloquently.

[@Aaroooo]

Hey Tom, I live 45 minutes from Bad Kreuznach and I never heard about this Stollen. It's very interesting and I would immediately say yes and be part of studies to check if it's really working or not. Cheers for letting me know!

[@MaffiaRK]

Brilliant video, thank you Tom!

[@The23rdGamer]

I appreciate how you approach this topic, Tom. Truly one of the best reporters of our time.

[@FajarSuryawan]

I'm not that into radon therapy. But, if anything, this video is one of those that I'd show to my kids: "This is how you make a thorough, balanced, and socially responsible review".

[@PieFlavouredPii]

Thanks for the care in this video Tom. As someone with Chronic pain, I'm ngl I'd be willing to give this a go if it helped others down the line. Also you know, could stop the pain for a lil bit.

[@sharg0]

A German friend recently told me there are surprising amounts of "questionable" practises in Germany that are approved by their healthcare. But as one that dealt with long time pain issues (solved by surgery, steel and plastic) I can understand someone that has chronic pain grabbing for any straw - At least this one might shorten the suffering in a rather permanent (but not pleasant) way.

[@Martin42944]

"There isn't any truly safe dose of radiation" Banana's have entered the chat.

[@pcarrierorange]

40,000 bananas have entered the chat. You have died of banana overdose.

[@Martin42944]

@@pcarrierorange so you’re saying a safe dose of radiation is less than 40,000 bananas… or in other words, “there is a safe dose of radiation, because the world around us is full of radiation. But we need to be careful about the TYPE and QUANTITY of radiation we are exposed to.”

[@pcarrierorange]

@@Martin42944 Nope, you have been killed by an excess of banana fruit in your spatial allotment. The radiation will render your corpse irretrievable even after the bananas have long since decomposed, however.

[@crazyninjamonkey6267]

"AHHH Yes. The radiation would kill you."

[@ferkeap]

Yes the bloody LNT assumption is something that should disappear.

[@frankupton5821]

The placebo effect is very strong. Almost anything that is presented as a curative procedure will make people feel better. Two pills are better than one, and an injection is better still. What's more, the placebo effect works even when the patient is told they are being given a placebo.

[@daveys]

It always surprises me that there isn’t a prescription drug called “Placebex” or similar and they’re just mints.

[@Queso2469]

@@daveys The non prescription version is any homeopathic cure you can still find on the shelves of most pharmacies.

[@zero.Identity]

It depends on if you still believe, not if they tell you that it is placebo

[@emilejetzer7657]

* on subjective and ill-defined outcome measures.

[@Titchyhill]

As someone with chronic pain this is so interesting to watch. I can absolutely say I would give it a try. I would give anything a try to be able to go even just a day without pain. Totally agree that more studies need to be done though, I'm sceptical as well but would still give it a go.

[@0xEARTH]

even when he's just explaining something, Tom Scott manages to make bomb video giving light to something amazing. i absolutely agree, more studies should be brought into this. if this tunnel thing works properly, the amount of help this would bring to humanity as a whole would be insane. not only would we _significantly_ cut down on opioid abuse, since radioactivity is already very heavily managed, but it's naturally occurring and renewable.

[@teslacoiler]

Already very heavily managed??? What about the various radioactive quack devices easily available from internet (eg, the quantum pendant). These things are marketed for miraculous effects caused by negative ions (including blocking harmful radiations!) but in reality are items made with natural radioactive stones that, of course, emit radiations! I personally never recommend any of these things..... except for people that needs a radioactive source to check a geiger counter of course!

[@queenofdramatech]

As Young American with rheumatoid arthritis, this would be fantastic. And I am so happy that you took a leap of faith and put us out there on your channel. If the science can prove it is medically beneficial I would have no qualms about traveling all the way to Germany to sit in a radon room to help me get better and remove the medicines I need to help me live. THANK YOU!

[@WestExplainsBest]

2:20 Gate: No Trespassing Tom Scott: Hold my Go Pro...

[@spirit5923]

I truly appreciate how hard you try to be non biased in your videos.

[@TheOsoCelta]

Another vídeo to watch instead of work

[@thothtahuti5509]

Here in New Zealand we recently started using/testing a similar application where the effected part of the body is briefly radiated a hand full of times over 1 to 3 treatments a month between each and they have been having a great deal of success. The idea being to minimally damage the body to encourage it to kickstart it's own immune system, scary idea but it is more often then not, successful...

[@TYKUHN2]

This company definitely seems to be taking health concerns, such as radiation exposure, seriously. They are minimizing exposure to *relatively* safe levels. But, that does not mean it works. I do not believe there is a biological mechanism to support the hypothesis, and instead would propose placebo, and even hyperalgesia, as I believe I heard some patients stopped taking pain medication.

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

It would be interesting to see the studies. I also wonder how it compares to airplane pilots and staff

[@hausaffe100]

your Drug dealer also don't want you to die

[@DSlyde]

Radiation hormesis and other alternatives to the LNT model are things I've been looking into for a long time, but I ran into the same issue, the research on them is very limited. It's difficult to test them - double blind is hard. Safety is hard. Regulation is hard. Long term effects are hard. But over a million people have now seen this video, and I think that's a good start to getting more interest in testing. It's definitely not a weak ending, it's a needed call to action.