T.C. DINKINSRYAN PETERS

MALERIE SHERROD

Radon Exposure and

Lung Cancer

Overview

Background

Scientific Studies

Risks of Radon and Suggestions

Radon

Tasteless, colorless, odorless naturally occurring radioactive gas

Come from natural radioactive breakdown of Uranium

Radon seeps through soil and into houses through cracks and holes in the foundation

Buildings can trap gasMake concentrations dangerously high

Effects of Radon

Leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers

2nd leading cause of lung cancer in U.S.Annually, 20,000 lives are claimed, lung

cancer caused from radon exposurePeople who smoke and are exposed to radon

have a much higher chance of getting lung cancer

Georgia Radon Map

Zone 1 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) (red zones)

Highest Potential

Zone 2 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (orange zones)

Moderate Potential

Zone 3 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (yellow zones)

Low Potential

National Radon Map

Radon Exposure Risk

Dr. Maria Niera (World Health Organization) “Most radon induced lung cancer occur from low and

medium dose exposures in people’s homes. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking in many countries.”

• Radon can contaminate drinking water, however airborne radon is a greater health risk

Scientific Research

Studies on Uranium Miners and death due to Radon exposure

“Lung Cancer Risk From Residential Radon: Meta-analysis of Eight Epidemiologic Studies” Jay H. Lubin, John D. Boice, Jr. 1997

“Residential Radon Gas Exposure and Lung Cancer – The Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study” R. William Field, Daniel J. Steck, Brian J. Smith, Christine P.

Brus, Eileen L. Fisher, John S. Neuberger, Charles E.PIatz, Robert A. Robinson, Robert F. Woolson, and Charles F. Lynch

2001

Uranium Miners and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has been found in Uranium miners all across the world ex.: France, Czech Republic, United States, Slovakia,

Russia, Canada, etc.

Using data from studies on miners, Radon has been linked to lung cancer in homes

Meta-analysis

Eight epidemiological case-control studies 4,236 lung cancer subjects 6,612 control subjects

Linking Radon exposure to lung cancer

Extrapolation from studies on miners to indoor exposures Assumes 25 years of exposure

Conclusions of Meta-analysis

The data gathered from the meta-analysis coincided with the extrapolations from the miner data

The results showed a small correlation with lung cancer but were not conclusive

Iowa Study

Developing a well conducted case-study 4 major components:

1. Rapid repeating of case2. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews3. Radon exposure assessment4. Analysis of lung cancer tissue

Basis of Selecting Case-study Subjects

Lung Cancer Cases Female Recently diagnosed with new cancerous cells Resident of Iowa Age: 40-84 years Resided in current home for 20+ years

Control Criteria Female No previous cancerous tissues prior to exposure Resident of Iowa Age: 40-84 years Alive at time of interview Resided in current home for 20+ years

Assessment of Radon

On-site survey of residence

On-site measurements of Radon levels

Outdoor measurements of Radon

Exposure of subject when in another building

Background of subject with other possible encounters with Radon

Radon Concentrations in Iowa

Odds Ratios of Lung Cancer with Radon Exposure

Conclusions of Iowa Study

Due to a vigorous study there was enough evidence to link lung cancer in the women to Radon exposure

Providing evidence that Radon can cause cancer on the domestic level

Risk Estimates

There are no "safe" levels although the EPA considers: 4 pCi/L acceptable for an unfinished basement space 2 pCi/L acceptable for a living space on any level.

For a lifetime exposure at the recommended guideline of 4 pCi/L, the EPA estimates: The risk of developing lung cancer is 1 to 5%, depending

on whether a person is a nonsmoker, former smoker, or smoker.

The overall risk of radon exposure is related not only to its average level in the home, but also to the occupants and their lifestyles.

Risk Evaluation ChartRisk Estimates

How to Reduce Risk

Stop smokingAvoid areas with higher concentrations of

radon Higher radon concentrations in lower levels of a home

When practical, open all windows and turn on fans This is especially important in basements Increases the air flow into and through the house

Keep the crawl space vents fully open all year

Types of Radon Mitigation

Sealing Cracks Limits flow of radon into home Reduces the loss of conditioned air

House Pressurization Uses a fan to blow air in from upstairs or outdoors Limited by: house construction, climate, other appliances, occupant

lifestyle Doors and windows must not be left open

Natural Ventilation Opening doors, windows, and vents Disadvantages: loss of conditioned air, increased cost, security

concerns Heat Recovery Ventilation

Also called an air-to-air heat exchanger Installed to increase ventilation Uses heated or cooled air being exhausted to warm or cool incoming air

Conclusions

If constantly exposed to high concentrations for an extended period of time, radon can cause lung cancer

Smoking and being exposed to radon greatly increases your chance of getting lung cancer

Regardless of location, you need to test your house for radon

Take precautions to prevent build up of radon in your house

Happy Radon Awareness Week!

RADON ACTION WEEK IS OCTOBER 18-24, 2009

Q & A

References

Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/radon

Lubin, Jay H., and John D. Boice, Jr. "Lung Cancer Risk From Residential Radon: Meta-analysis of Eight Epidemiologic Studies." Journal of the National Cancer Institute 89 (1997): 47-59. National Cancer Institute. 18 Oct. 2009 <http://www.cancer.gov>.

Field, R. William, et al. "Residential Radon Gas Exposure and Lung Cancer - The Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study." American Journal of Epidemiology 151 (2000): 1091-102.

Guardian Home Inspection www.guardian–homeinspection.com/index-9.html