The carcinogenicity of radon

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Environmental Science and Technology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00071a003· OSTI ID:5467420

Berger, R S ^[1]

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1. Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, MI (USA)

Numerous studies of underground miners exposed to radon daughters in the air of mines have shown an increased risk of lung cancer in comparison with nonexposed populations. The abundant epidemiological and experimental data have established the carcinogenicity of radon progeny. Although the carcinogenicity of radon daughters is established, and the hazards of exposure during mining are well recognized, the hazards of exposure in other environments have not yet been adequately quantified. Two approaches are currently being used to characterize the lung cancer risks associated with radon daughter exposure: mathematical representations of the respiratory tract that model radiation doses to target cells and epidemiological investigation of exposed populations, mainly underground miners. Because of their wide distribution, radon daughters are a major source of exposure to radioactivity for the general public as well as for special occupational groups. There is currently no federal legislation that might be invoked as the statutory basis for a generalized program regulating the radon level in homes. Therefore, only recommended guideline exposure levels have been issued by EPA at 4pCi/L and by the National Council on Radiation Protection at 8 pCi/L. These agencies suggest implementation of remedial actions for exposures above these levels.

• OSTI ID: 5467420
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States) Vol. 24:1; ISSN ESTHA; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560151 -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BODY
BUILDINGS
CARCINOGENESIS
CARCINOMAS
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HOUSES
ISOTOPES
LUNGS
NEOPLASMS
NONMETALS
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
PUBLIC HEALTH
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RISK ASSESSMENT