T.C. DINKINS RYAN PETERS MALERIE SHERROD Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer.
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Transcript of T.C. DINKINS RYAN PETERS MALERIE SHERROD Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer.
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