Radon in homes

Journal Article · Fri Aug 07 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6019068

Radon 222 and its radioactive decay products can enter buildings and, through inhalation, expose the inhabitants' pulmonary tissues to ionizing radiation. Studies of radon levels in the US indicate that variations of 100-fold or greater exist among private dwellings. In one region, 55% of homes had levels exceeding 4 pCi/L (0.15 Bq/L), which is the guidance level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Ventilation and tightness of construction are important determinants of radon levels. In some instances, fans or heat exchangers can reduce excessive concentrations, but in others more elaborate remedial measures may be required. Physicians may obtain information about radon through Environmental Protection Agency regional offices and state radiation control programs. The risk of radiogenic cancer is believed to increase with exposure to ionizing radiation. According to some estimates, concentrations of radon decay products in US homes could be responsible for several thousand cases of lung cancer per year. Studies of radon levels in representative buildings and guidelines are needed to ensure safe, effective, and cost-effective counter-measures. Architects, contractors, designers, building code administrators, health physicists, and biomedical investigators can help with solutions.

• OSTI ID: 6019068
• Journal Information: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 258:5; ISSN JAMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BUILDINGS
CARCINOGENESIS
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
DOSE LIMITS
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAVY NUCLEI
HOUSES
INHALATION
INTAKE
ISOTOPES
LUNGS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEI
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOISOTOPES
RADON 222
RADON ISOTOPES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS
VENTILATION