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Radiation exposure from radon is indirect. The health hazard from radon does not come primarily from radon itself, but rather from the radioactive products formed in the decay of radon. [1] The general effects of radon to the human body are caused by its radioactivity and consequent risk of radiation-induced cancer. Lung cancer is the only ...
Radon is a major cause of cancer; it is estimated to contribute to ~2% of all cancer related deaths in Europe. [1] Radium, like radon, is radioactive and is found in small quantities in nature and is hazardous to life if radiation exceeds 20-50 mSv/year. Radium is a decay product of uranium and thorium. [2]
The first major studies with radon and health occurred in the context of uranium mining in the Joachimsthal region of Bohemia. [67] In the US, studies and mitigation only followed decades of health effects on uranium miners of the Southwestern US employed during the early Cold War; standards were not implemented until 1971. [68]
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) consist of materials, usually industrial wastes or by-products enriched with radioactive elements found in the environment, such as uranium, thorium and potassium and any of their decay products, such as radium and radon. [1]
An air quality monitor. Human exposure to aerosols has a variety of adverse health effects. [7] Building occupants complain of symptoms such as sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat; neurotoxic or general health problems; skin irritation; nonspecific hypersensitivity reactions; infectious diseases; [8] and odor and taste sensations. [9]
Alternatively, radon may enter the body through contaminated drinking water or through the decay of ingested radium [3] – making radon diffusion one of the greatest dangers of radium. [10] Thus, 222 Rn is a carcinogen ; in fact, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarette smoking , [ 3 ] with over 20,000 ...
Radon mitigation is any process used to reduce radon gas concentrations in the breathing zones of occupied buildings, or radon from water supplies. Radon is a significant contributor to environmental radioactivity and indoor air pollution. Exposure to radon can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer. [1]
To achieve these aims, WHO has formed a network of key partner agencies from some 40 Member States. This network is the basis for the WHO International Radon Project which was launched in 2005. Working groups will collect and analyse information on radon risk, radon policies, radon mitigation and prevention as well as risk communication.