Study revises cancer risk from radon

Journal Article · Mon Jan 18 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-v066n003.p022· OSTI ID:5069999

Krieger, J

A new National Research Council study of the health effects of radon has moved the estimate for increased risk of lung cancer deaths due to lifetime exposure more to the middle of a range bracketed by earlier studies. It also notes that most of the increased risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is in smokers. The study, released early this month, was jointly sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and resulted from a charge to the National Research Council's Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiations (BEIR). In its study, the committee focused on alpha-emitting radionuclides known to induce health effects in exposed human populations. Although the study deals also with other alpha emitters - polonium, radium, thorium, uranium, and transuranic elements - the committee paid particular attention to radon and its decay products because of concern over lung cancer risk associated with increased indoor concentrations of radon in homes.

• OSTI ID: 5069999
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States) Vol. 66:3; ISSN CENEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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