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[The radon risk in Lombardy]

U Facchini1, L Sesana, G Agostoni

  • 1Istituto di Fisica Generale Applicata, Università degli Studi di Milano. facchini@imiucca.csi.unimi.it

La Radiologia Medica
|February 18, 1998
PubMed
Summary

High lung cancer mortality in northern Italy, particularly Lombardy, is linked to indoor radon exposure from granite rock sediments. This risk is significantly lower in Emilia-Romagna due to different geological origins.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Geology

Background:

  • Lung cancer mortality rates exhibit significant geographical and gender disparities in Italy.
  • Previous studies suggest a correlation between male lung cancer rates and cigarette smoking.
  • Elevated lung cancer incidence in specific northern Italian regions necessitates investigation into environmental risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the geographical distribution of lung cancer mortality in Italy, focusing on Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna.
  • To assess the potential risk of indoor radon exposure as a contributing factor to lung cancer mortality.
  • To correlate radon levels with regional geological characteristics and lung cancer rates.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized death certificate data from the Central Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) for 1980-1988 to calculate mortality rates.
  • Analyzed geographical variations in lung cancer mortality, comparing northern and southern regions, and male versus female populations.
  • Assessed indoor radon exposure levels in dwellings and correlated them with regional geology (granite in Lombardy, calcareous in Emilia-Romagna) and lung cancer excess events using a National Academy of Sciences model.

Main Results:

  • Lung cancer mortality rates were higher in northern Italy and significantly higher in males (>10x).
  • Male mortality rates showed a linear correlation with past cigarette smoking.
  • Lombardy, with radon levels around 100 Bq/m3 originating from granite-rich Alps, exhibited lung cancer mortality rates over 50% higher than estimated, aligning with radon risk models.
  • Emilia-Romagna, with lower radon levels (around 50 Bq/m3) from low-uranium calcareous rocks, showed a less significant radon risk factor.

Conclusions:

  • Indoor radon exposure, particularly in Lombardy, is a significant contributing factor to elevated lung cancer mortality rates, especially in males.
  • Geological factors influencing radon concentration in dwellings play a crucial role in regional lung cancer risk.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering indoor radon as an environmental carcinogen in public health strategies for lung cancer prevention.

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