Health Effects of Radon
Lung cancer
The primary health effect of radon is lung cancer. When the radon daughters release these alpha particles into the lungs, the alpha particles penetrate cells and cause DNA damage. The damage is cumulative and can eventually cause cancer. Animal studies have shown that radon can cause cancer without the contribution of other pollutants (e.g., tobacco smoke).
The fact that radon exposure causes lung cancer was recognized first in uranium miners. One study evaluated American Indian miners who were non-smokers, and found a threefold increase in lung cancer over that experienced by non smokers who were not miners in the same community.
Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer dramatically. Early evidence for the role of smoking is the fact that before manufactured cigarettes were available, lung cancer was considered a rare disease (in spite of ongoing exposure to radon). Following the introduction of manufactured cigarettes, the incidence of lung cancers rose quickly to the point where it is now one of the most common cancers. For lifelong non-smokers, absolute risks (as opposed to excess risk due only to radon) of lung cancer (for those still alive) are 0.4%, 0.5% and 0.7% respectively at radon concentrations of 0, 100 and 400 Bq/m3. In cigarette smokers exposed to the same radon concentrations, these risks are 10%, 12% and 16% (Darby et al., 2005).
The EPA is strongly focused on the reduction of radon exposure primarily because of the enormous public health impact of its role in lung cancer in smokers. Mendez et al. (2009) analyzed smoking trends in the US and concluded that a better approach would be to concentrate on programs to reduce smoking.
Radon and Childhood Leukemia
There is some evidence that excessive radon exposure can increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. One study demonstrated a 56% increase in the rate of this type of leukemia per 1000 Bq/m3-years increase in exposure (Raaschou-Nielsen et al., 2008; Harley & Robbins 2009).
Radon and Pancreatic Cancer
Radon exposure may be a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer in African Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. Testing and mitigating homes for indoor radon may decrease the incidence of pancreatic cancer in these groups (Reddy & Bhutani 2009).
Radon and Other Cancers
One study of miners revealed some evidence for a relationship between other pulmonary cancers and cumulative radon exposures, but unknown factors could have influenced their results either negatively or positively (Kreuzer et al. 2008).
Protective Effect of Radon
There is some evidence that exposure to very low levels of radon may be protective, especially in smokers. Samet (2009) suggests that a non-threshold linear response is indicated by studies showing that a single alpha particle hit can permanently damage a cell. However, modeling of data from miners' studies indicate that the excess risk for lung cancer at 100 Bq/m3 is 0.l6, indicative of a protective effect. Note that risk estimates relate to 1 (no change), with estimates greater than 1 indicating increased risk and estimates less than 1 indicating decreased risk (Bogen 1998).
Standards and Guidelines
An indoor air radon concentration of 200-400 Bq/m3 has been adopted as an action or reference level by many countries. Levels less than 160 Bq/m3 indicate that no further action is necessary. The USEPA recommends remedial action if radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L (200 Bq/m3). The World Health Organization recommends a reference level of 100 Bq/m3 for radon. An acceptable radon concentration in the workplace is set at 1/3 of a WL or about 1200 Bq/m3. In September 2009, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive global initiative on radon that recommended a reference level of 100 Bq/m3 for radon and urged member countries to establish or strengthen radon measurement and mitigation programs, as well as develop building codes that require radon prevention measures in homes under construction.
Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.
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