scholarly journals Chapter 18 Radon gas hazard

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 433-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Appleton ◽  
D. G. Jones ◽  
J. C. H. Miles ◽  
C. Scivyer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
British Geological Survey ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Gas Hazard ◽  
Remedial Work ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
New Buildings

AbstractRadon (222Rn) is a natural radioactive gas that occurs in rocks and soils and can only be detected with special equipment. Radon is a major cause of lung cancer. Therefore, early detection is essential. The British Geological Survey and Public Health England have produced a series of maps showing radon affected areas based on underlying geology and indoor radon measurements, which help to identify radon-affected buildings. Many factors influence how much radon accumulates in buildings. Remedial work can be undertaken to reduce its passage into homes and workplaces and new buildings can be built with radon preventative measures.

scholarly journals Radon measurements with CR-39 track detectors at specific locations in Turkey

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asiye Ulug ◽  
Melek Karabulut ◽  
Nilgün Celebi
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Active Faults ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Arithmetic Means ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
New Buildings ◽  
Main Factor ◽  
Ventilation Conditions ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Indoor radon concentration levels at three sites in Turkey were measured using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors. The annual mean of radon concentration was estimated on the basis of four quarter measurements at specific locations in Turkey. The measuring sites are on the active faults. The results of radon measurements are based on 280 measurements in doors. The annual arithmetic means of radon concentrations at three sites (Isparta Egirdir, and Yalvac) were found to be 164 Bqm?3, 124 Bqm?3, and 112 Bqm?3 respectively, ranging from 78 Bqm?3 to 279 Bqm?3. The in door radon concentrations were investigated with respect to the ventilation conditions and the age of buildings. The ventilation conditions were determined to be the main factor affecting the in door radon concentrations. The in door radon concentrations in the new buildings were higher than ones found in the old buildings.

Radon and Lung Cancer in Cornwall and Devon

1993 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1361-1366 ◽  
Author(s):  
R M Haynes
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Mortality ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Lung Cancer Mortality ◽  
Radiological Protection ◽  
Preventive Action ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Current Advice

The relationship between average indoor levels of radon and lung cancer mortality in the counties of Cornwall and Devon, England, are investigated. The associations of population density, social-class distribution, and regional smoking prevalence with lung cancer mortality in the local-authority districts of England and Wales were estimated by regression analysis. Low rates of lung cancer in Cornwall and Devon were predicted from the relationship. The differences between observed and predicted mortality in Cornwall and Devon districts were compared with average indoor levels of radon, which varied considerably between districts. Residual variations in lung cancer mortality were not significantly correlated with average indoor radon measurements. The current advice of the National Radiological Protection Board to government is to concentrate radon measurements, remedial action, and preventive action principally on Cornwall and Devon, but cross-sectional geographical data do not support the hypothesis that raised levels of radon indoors in southwest England have an important effect on lung cancer mortality.

Radon: Occupational or Domestic Carcinogen?

1994 ◽  
Vol 56 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 81-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Monchaux ◽  
R. Masse (INVITED)
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Excess Risk ◽  
Underground Mines ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Remedial Actions ◽  
Radon Measurements

Abstract An association between an excess risk of lung cancer and exposure to radon and its daughters has been demonstrated in uranium miners and in other miners. In various countries, radon measurements in dwellings showed that indoor radon concentrations are in the same range as in underground mines. Geographical epidemiological studies do not show an excess risk of lung cancer in people living in radon rich areas and case-control studies of domestic exposures lead to conflicting results. A joint study allowing meta-analysis of the results from 19 epidemiological studies carried out throughout the world should provide reliable data by and after 1995. Experimental data and biological data from radon-induced human tumours might allow the identification of tumours induced by irradiation compared with tumours induced by other agents. Until now, the role of domestic exposure in the occurrence of lung cancer remains unclear and therefore the usefulness of remedial actions questionable.

Radon measurements in soil to predict indoor radon concentrations in new buildings in an area with unusually high radon levels

1995 ◽  
Vol 162 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 209-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
O ENNEMOSER ◽  
S GIACOMUZZI ◽  
P BRUNNER ◽  
P SCHNEIDER ◽  
V STINGL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
New Buildings ◽  
Radon Concentrations

scholarly journals Development of a Geogenic Radon Hazard Index—Concept, History, Experiences

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 4134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Bossew ◽  
Giorgia Cinelli ◽  
Giancarlo Ciotoli ◽  
Quentin G. Crowley ◽  
Marc De Cort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Mitigation Policy ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Radon Potential

Exposure to indoor radon at home and in workplaces constitutes a serious public health risk and is the second most prevalent cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. Indoor radon concentration is to a large extent controlled by so-called geogenic radon, which is radon generated in the ground. While indoor radon has been mapped in many parts of Europe, this is not the case for its geogenic control, which has been surveyed exhaustively in only a few countries or regions. Since geogenic radon is an important predictor of indoor radon, knowing the local potential of geogenic radon can assist radon mitigation policy in allocating resources and tuning regulations to focus on where it needs to be prioritized. The contribution of geogenic to indoor radon can be quantified in different ways: the geogenic radon potential (GRP) and the geogenic radon hazard index (GRHI). Both are constructed from geogenic quantities, with their differences tending to be, but not always, their type of geographical support and optimality as indoor radon predictors. An important feature of the GRHI is consistency across borders between regions with different data availability and Rn survey policies, which has so far impeded the creation of a European map of geogenic radon. The GRHI can be understood as a generalization or extension of the GRP. In this paper, the concepts of GRP and GRHI are discussed and a review of previous GRHI approaches is presented, including methods of GRHI estimation and some preliminary results. A methodology to create GRHI maps that cover most of Europe appears at hand and appropriate; however, further fine tuning and validation remains on the agenda.

scholarly journals “Following the Science”: In Search of Evidence-Based Policy for Indoor Air Pollution from Radon in Ireland

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 9197
Author(s):  
Anthea R. Lacchia ◽  
Geertje Schuitema ◽  
Aparajita Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Public Health Hazards

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside dwellings, represents the second biggest cause of lung cancer globally. In Ireland, radon is linked to approximately 300 lung cancer cases every year, equating to 12% of all lung cancer deaths. Despite the health risks posed by radon air pollution, Ireland lacks well-defined and universally applicable air pollution-related public health policies. Through purposive literature sampling, we critically examine the case of indoor radon policy development in Ireland. Specifically, we analyse the evidence-based policymaking process relating to indoor radon pollution from three different knowledge dimensions, namely political, scientific, and practical knowledge. In doing so, we identify various challenges inherent to pollution-related public policymaking. We highlight the difficulties of balancing and integrating information from multiple disciplines and perspectives and argue that input from multiple scientific areas is crucial, but can only be achieved through continued, dialogic communication between stakeholders. On the basis of our analysis, we suggest that a transdisciplinary perspective, defined as a holistic approach which subordinates disciplines and looks at the dynamics of whole systems, will allow evidence-based policymaking to be effective. We end with recommendations for evidence-based policymaking when it comes to public health hazards such as radon, which are applicable to sustainable air pollution management beyond Ireland.

scholarly journals A 10-year follow-up study of yearly indoor radon measurements in homes, review of other studies and implications on lung cancer risk estimates

2021 ◽  
Vol 762 ◽  
pp. 144150
Author(s):  
Sara Antignani ◽  
Gennaro Venoso ◽  
Marco Ampollini ◽  
Mario Caprio ◽  
Carmela Carpentieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Lung Cancer Risk ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Risk Estimates ◽  
Radon Measurements

scholarly journals Indoor Radon Measurements in Finnish Daycare Centers and Schools—Enforcement of the Radiation Act

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2877
Author(s):  
Katja Kojo ◽  
Päivi Kurttio
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Radon Level ◽  
Radon Exposure ◽  
Daycare Centers ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Radon Risk ◽  
Protection Authority

Background: Indoor radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Finnish radiation legislation obligates employers to measure indoor radon concentrations in workplaces, including schools and daycare centers, if they are in radon prone areas. Surveillance campaigns were conducted to ensure that the required radon measurements were performed and to gain knowledge on current indoor radon levels in daycare centers and schools. Methods: Daycare centers located in the high-radon risk municipalities were identified. Schools where indoor radon level measurements were obligatory but not performed, were identified. Results: Indoor radon measurements were performed in 633 daycare centers where the mean radon concentration was 86 Bq/m3 and the median 40 Bq/m3. The radon level was greater than 300 Bq/m3 in 8% (n = 49) of daycare centers. The radon measurements were performed in 1176 schools, which is 95% of the schools to be measured. The mean radon concentration was 82 Bq/m3 and the median 41 Bq/m3. The radon levels were greater than 300 Bq/m3 in 14% (n = 169) of the schools. Conclusions: The systematic surveillance campaigns by the radiation protection authority were very efficient in order to ensure that the measurements are performed in schools and daycare centers. The campaigns also reduced the radon exposure of employees, children, and adolescents, where necessary.

scholarly journals Relationships among Indoor Radon, Earthquake Magnitude Data and Lung Cancer Risks in a Residential Building of an Apulian Town (Southern Italy)

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1342
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Domenica Cavone ◽  
Maria Celeste Delfino ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Earthquake Magnitude ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Radon Concentrations

(1) Background: The association of radon-222 with lung cancer is well studied. The aim of the study was to validate a model of indoor radon measurements, to apply radon software to estimate lung cancer cases that are attributable to radon and to study the relationship between radon and earthquakes. (2) Methods: Different data detectors were used to obtain radon measurements in different places. Continuous data collection and predictions of indoor radon concentrations were carried out. Software was used to assess radon-attributable lung cancer cases, and data related to earthquake magnitudes were downloaded from Italian Vulcanology Institute. (3) Results: As expected, the highest radon concentrations were observed on the ground floor (232 ± 232 Bq/m3), with higher values measured during winter than in other seasons. The comparison of the detectors showed the overlapping of the two detectors-measured data sets. The cases of lung cancer that were attributable to radon in Locorotondo were studied (3.66/10,000). From the multivariate analysis of the relationship between high radon concentrations and high earthquake magnitude values, they show statistically significant ORs of just over 1. (4) Conclusions: Although the measured values are, on average, within the reference level, prevention measures must be implemented, as the measured radon values allow us to estimate an expected value of 3.66 cases of lung cancer per 10,000 people in the resident population.

scholarly journals A new approach to radon temporal correction factor based on active environmental monitoring devices

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Dicu ◽  
B. D. Burghele ◽  
M. Botoş ◽  
A. Cucoș ◽  
G. Dobrei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Monitoring Devices ◽  
Temporal Correction

AbstractThe present study aims to identify novel means of increasing the accuracy of the estimated annual indoor radon concentration based on the application of temporal correction factors to short-term radon measurements. The necessity of accurate and more reliable temporal correction factors is in high demand, in the present age of speed. In this sense, radon measurements were continuously carried out, using a newly developed smart device accompanied by CR-39 detectors, for one full year, in 71 residential buildings located in 5 Romanian cities. The coefficient of variation for the temporal correction factors calculated for combinations between the start month and the duration of the measurement presented a low value (less than 10%) for measurements longer than 7 months, while a variability close to 20% can be reached by measurements of up to 4 months. Results obtained by generalized estimating equations indicate that average temporal correction factors are positively associated with CO2 ratio, as well as the interaction between this parameter and the month in which the measurement took place. The impact of the indoor-outdoor temperature differences was statistically insignificant. The obtained results could represent a reference point in the elaboration of new strategies for calculating the temporal correction factors and, consequently, the reduction of the uncertainties related to the estimation of the annual indoor radon concentration.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document