Health risks and detriment of exposure to indoor radon among residents of Vladimir city

«Radiation and Risk», 2017, vol. 26, No. 4, pp.63-73

DOI: 10.21870/0131-3878-2017-26-4-63-73

Authors

Shirkin L.A. – Assoc. Prof., C. Sc., Chem. Vladimir State University, Vladimir
Semchenko M.I. – Graduate Student. Vladimir State University, Vladimir. Contacts: 87 Gor`kji str., Vladimir, 600000, Russia. Tel. 89206232316; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
ATrifonova T.A. – Head Dep., D. Sc., Biol., Prof. VlSU. Vladimir State University, Vladimir

Abstract

To estimate the health effects of radon exposure on the population long-term measurements of radon equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity were made in Vladimir city dwellings. The obtained data were used for estimating absolute and relative risks of radiation-induced lung cancer. In the city of Vladimir the increase in risk of lung cancer due to exposure to radon is statistically significant, even if the level of radon was medium. The value of relative risk of untimely death from lung cancer in a subgroup exposed to medium or high level of radon is 11.85. The total annual average population-based health detriment or reduction of lifetime opportunity among the residents of Vladimir city as a result of exposure to radon is 321.4 person-years; the upper level is 608 person-years. The highest uncertainties in risks and health detriment assessment are associated with exposure to low levels of radon.

Key words
Radon, radiation risk, low effective doses, lung cancer induced by radon, public health detriment, economic damage, volumetric activity, distribution statistics, regional assessments, health of the population.

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