A facility for studying the carcinogenic and synergistic effects of radon daughters and other agents in rodents
- Harwell Lab. (United Kingdom)
Although there is evidence to link lung cancer with radon exposures in miners, studies have not yet adequately demonstrated a link at domestic levels of exposure. Induction of cancer in animals after acute exposure to high levels of radon and radon daughters has been investigated by several laboratories. It is our intention to study the effects of radon and its daughters on rodents following both acute and chronic exposure. The studies will be extended to investigate the effects of other carcinogens in association with radon daughters. We will describe a facility in which rodents can be exposed continuously to radon and its daughters for periods of up to several months. The facility consists of two exposure chambers with closed air circuits which are operated independently of each other. Aerosol generators provide controlled vector aerosols onto which radon daughters can attach. Particular attention has been paid to accurate measurements of the concentrations of radon gas and of individual radon daughters. Techniques have also been developed for measuring the {open_quotes}unattached{close_quotes} fraction, the activity size distribution of individual daughters, and the potential alpha energy. The environment within the facility will be adjusted to be comparable to that found in dwellings with regard to condensation nucleus concentration, {open_quotes}unattached{close_quotes} fraction, equilibrium factor, and activity size distribution. Other vapors and aerosols, such as tobacco smoke, can be introduced into one of the air circuits to study the combined effects of radiation and toxic chemical agents.
- OSTI ID:
- 44907
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-901010-Pt.2; TRN: 95:003335-0012
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 29. Hanford symposium on health and the environment: indoor radon and lung cancer--reality or myth, Richland, WA (United States), 15-19 Oct 1990; Other Information: PBD: 1992; Related Information: Is Part Of Indoor radon and lung cancer: Reality or myth? Part 2; Cross, F.T. [ed.]; PB: 599 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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