Residential radon exposure and risk of lung cancer in Missouri

Objectives. This study investigated residential radon exposure and lung I cancer risk, using both standard radon dosimetry and a new radon monitoring technology that, evidence suggests, is a better measure of cumulative radon exposure. Methods. Missouri women (aged 30 to 84 years) newly diagnosed with primary lung cancer during the period January 1, 1993, to January 31, 1994, were invited to participate in this population-based case-control study. Both indoor air radon detectors and CR-39 alpha-particle detectors (surface moni- tors) were used. Results. When surface monitors were used, a significant trend in lung cancer odds ratios was observed for 20-year time-weighted-average radon concentrations. Conclusions. When surface monitors were used, but not when standard radon dosimetry was used, a significant lung cancer risk was found for radon concentrations at and above the action level for mitigation of houses currently used in the United States (148 Bqm(-3)). The risk was below the action level used in Canada (750 Bqm(-3)) and many European countries (200-400 Bqm(-3)).