Lung Cancer in Radon-Exposed Miners and Estimation of Risk From Indoor Exposure

摘要: Background : Radioactive radon is an inert gas that can migrate from soils and rocks accumulate in enclosed areas, such as homes underground mines. Studies of miners show exposure to decay products causes lung cancer. Consequently, it public health interest estimate accurately the consequences daily, low-level this known carcinogen. Epidemiologic studies residential are burdened by inability accurately, low total exposure, subsequent small excess risks. As a result, have been inconclusive date. Estimates hazard posed based on analyses data miners, with recent estimates pooling four occupational cohort including 360 cancer deaths. Purpose To more fully describe risk radon-exposed we pooled original 11 conducted comprehensive analysis, developed models for estimating radon-associated risk. Methods We 65 000 men than 2700 deaths, fit various relative (RR) regression models. Results The RR relationship cumulative progeny was consistently linear range miner exposures, suggesting exposures at lower levels, homes, would carry some exposure-response trend never-smokers threefold smokers, indicating greater never-smokers. diminished time since occurred. For equal long duration (and rate) were harmful short high rate). Conclusions: In about 40% all deaths may be due 70% never-smokers, 39% smokers. United States, 10% might indoor 11% 30% This model reducing exceeding U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended action level reduce 2%-4%. These should interpreted caution, because concomitant agents arsenic or diesel exhaust modify effect and, when considered together other differences between mines, generalizability findings miners. [J Natl Cancer Inst 87 :817-827, 1995]