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Related Experiment Videos

Should radon be reduced in homes? A cost-effect analysis.

Hein Stigum1, Terje Strand, Per Magnus

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health. hein.stigum@folkehelsa.no

Health Physics
|January 30, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Reducing radon exposure in homes is justifiable, costing $0.27 million per life saved. This intervention addresses radon

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Public Health Policy
  • Risk Assessment

Background:

  • Radon, a radioactive gas from the ground, is a known lung cancer risk factor.
  • High radon exposure (above 200 Bq m(-3)) in homes necessitates intervention.
  • Interventions include identifying and improving existing homes and protecting new constructions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To calculate the costs and health effects of a societal intervention against radon exposure in homes.
  • To assess the cost-effectiveness of radon mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A societal cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted.
  • Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed.
  • Radon levels in Norwegian homes follow a lognormal distribution (mean 74.5 Bq m(-3)).

Main Results:

  • The intervention could prevent 3.8% of lung cancer cases attributable to radon.
  • Estimated costs are $238 million, saving 892 lives.
  • The cost per life saved is $0.27 million, with significant sensitivity to radon risk and exposure levels.

Conclusions:

  • Despite large uncertainty in cost per life, the intervention appears justifiable.
  • The societal willingness to pay ($1 million per life) exceeds the upper uncertainty limit for radon intervention costs.
  • Radon mitigation in homes is a cost-effective public health strategy.

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