Indoor radiation exposures from 222Rn and its daughters: a view of the issue

Exposure to 222Rn daughters indoors can result in significant risk to the general public, particularly those living in homes with much higher than average concentrations. This paper reviews what is known about indoor concentrations, associated risks and the effect of measures to save energy by reducing ventilation rates, using U.S. housing as an example. It concludes that, by employing appropriate control measures in homes having unacceptably high concentrations, the average exposure (and therefore risk) of the general public can remain at its present level, or even decrease, despite programs to save energy by tightening homes.