T.C. DINKINS RYAN 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 gas Make concentrations dangerously high

Effects of Radon Leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers 2 nd leading cause of lung cancer in U.S. Annually, 20,000 lives are claimed, lung cancer caused from radon exposure People 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 case 2. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews 3. Radon exposure assessment 4. 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: years  Resided in current home for 20+ years Control Criteria  Female  No previous cancerous tissues prior to exposure  Resident of Iowa  Age: 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 Chart Risk Estimates

How to Reduce Risk Stop smoking Avoid 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  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): National Cancer Institute. 18 Oct Field, R. William, et al. "Residential Radon Gas Exposure and Lung Cancer - The Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study." American Journal of Epidemiology 151 (2000): Guardian Home Inspection