Is Radon a Global Public Health Problem?
Throughout the world, particularly in countries in temperate and colder climates, indoor radon is probably a dominant contributor to radiation exposure (36). A review of some recent literature shows that there are numerous surveys documenting indoor concentrations of radon in developing and developed countries around the world (Table 2). Although there is likely to be a range of potential modifying factors among these countries, particularly cigarette smoking, the risk models developed by the BEIR VI Committee and other groups remain relevant for guiding policy. Extension of these models to other countries would identify some as having an unacceptable burden of lung cancer and the world’s total burden of cancers attributable to radon undoubtedly would be large if estimated. Policy development and implementation is another matter and the relevance of policies adopted in North America or Europe is uncertain. Guidance should be developed by those organizations concerned with radiation pro
