Radon: implications for the health professional

Journal Article · Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1989 · Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7599.1990.tb00768.x· OSTI ID:6743159

Romano, C A

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed by radioactive decay of radium and uranium, which are naturally present in the earth's crust. When concentrated indoors, this invisible gas becomes a potential health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually can be attributed to prolonged radon exposure. Radon is an important health issue that should be understood by all health care professionals. This paper discusses some of the important issues regarding radon, such as the incidences of lung cancer believed to be attributable to radon, the high-risk areas in the United States, federal safety guidelines, and public apathy. These issues and their impact on the health care required by professionals, especially nurse practitioners, are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6743159
• Journal Information: Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; (USA) Vol. 2:1; ISSN JANPE; ISSN 1041-2972
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560161* -- Radionuclide Effects
Kinetics
& Toxicology-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BODY
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LUNGS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NEOPLASMS
NONMETALS
ORGANS
PUBLIC OPINION
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIOINDUCTION
RADON
RARE GASES
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS