Current Status of Radon Concentrations in Greenhouses in China

Radon (²²²Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Greenhouses, characterized by bare soil, high humidity, and limited ventilation, are particularly susceptible to radon accumulation, and thus pose potential health risks to agricultural workers. This review summarizes the current status on radon levels in greenhouses in China, including greenhouse distribution, radon concentration measurement, influencing factors, and the lung cancer risk for greenhouse workers. The available data indicate that the average radon concentrations in greenhouses in China are generally higher than those reported in Japan, Mexico, and Iraq. These findings indicate the need for standardized monitoring protocols, effective mitigation strategies, and the establishment of occupational exposure reference levels. Moreover, they provide a foundation for guiding future research and informing health policies in protected agriculture .