A cost effectiveness analysis of interventions to reduce residential radon exposure in Canada

Abstract

The objective of this analysis is to estimate the incremental cost effectiveness ratios for the 2012 populations in Canada, each province/territory, and 17 census metropolitan areas, for practical radon mitigation scenarios to reduce residential radon exposures. Sixteen intervention scenarios compare radon mitigation implemented at differing rates in new and existing housing relative to preventive measures installed at construction, using three different radon mitigation thresholds. A period life-table analysis was conducted using data derived from two recent Canadian radon surveys, along with Canadian mortality and quality of life data. Analyses adopted a lifetime horizon and a discount rate of 1.5%. It is practical to reduce residential radon and associated lung cancer mortality in Canada, and the most cost effective scenario at each radon mitigation threshold is the combination of the activation of the preventive measures in new housing and mitigation of existing housing.