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Indoor radon and lung cancer. Estimating the risks
1Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico Medical Center, Albuquerque 87131.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Radon, a naturally occurring carcinogen found in homes, is a known cause of lung cancer. Current evidence suggests indoor radon exposure poses a risk to the general population, warranting identification of high-concentration homes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Radon is a ubiquitous indoor environmental contaminant.
- Epidemiologic and experimental studies confirm radon as a human lung carcinogen.
- Indoor radon exposure is a public health concern due to lung cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current risk assessment approaches for indoor radon.
- To emphasize the extrapolation of miner exposure risks to the general population.
- To discuss the implications of indoor radon for public health.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic studies on underground miners exposed to radon.
- Analysis of experimental evidence on radon's carcinogenicity.
- Evaluation of methods for extrapolating risk from occupational to general populations.
Main Results:
- Radon exposure in underground miners is linked to lung cancer.
- Indoor radon concentrations pose a potential lung cancer risk to the general population.
- Risk assessment involves extrapolating data from high-exposure groups.
Conclusions:
- Indoor radon is a significant environmental carcinogen.
- Current evidence supports the need to assess and mitigate indoor radon risks.
- Identifying homes with high radon concentrations is crucial for public health protection.