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Radon and lung cancer: Incremental risks associated with residential weatherization

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  • Brambley, M.R.
  • Gorfien, M.

Abstract

Energy conservation measures for residences that decrease air-exchange rates between the indoors and outdoors are shown, in the absence of substantial pressure-driven sources of radon, to increase substantially the concentrations of short-lived radionuclides in indoor air that are produced by the decay of naturally occurring radon. The associated incremental risk of lung cancer, although small compared to the risk attributable to tobacco smoking, is probably large enough to concern a substantial fraction of the population. For an average location in the U.S., the risk of fatal lung cancer attributable to radon may be increased by 115% by retrofitting that reduces the air-exchange rate from 1 to 12 air changes per hour. The model used in this study to estimate risk includes the relationship between removal processes and deviations from radioactive equilibrium. Results are given for selected changes in the air-exchange rate resulting from weatherization for several representative situations that are characterized by outdoor conditions, mineral content of the soil, and indoor radon source strength.

Suggested Citation

  • Brambley, M.R. & Gorfien, M., 1986. "Radon and lung cancer: Incremental risks associated with residential weatherization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 11(6), pages 589-605.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:11:y:1986:i:6:p:589-605
    DOI: 10.1016/0360-5442(86)90107-6
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