A meta-analysis of oncoepidemiological data on possible link between radon exposure and lung cancer

Abstract

Radon and its derivatives are a global natural factor of radiation infl uence on humans. New data on risk factors of lung cancer and signifi cant volume of epidemiologic and medical statistic data collected recently in various parts of the world prove that meta-analysis of information of link between lung cancer and radon exposure in living area is topical. Th e authors analyzed the most complete set of data on radon infl uence on human health, based on use of territory-wise aggregation of medical statistic materials and case-control research results. Summary covered also results of regression analysis of dependence of lung cancer mortality on average level of radon accumulation in buildings of Russian and US regions, and meta-analysis of over 30 case-control studies performed in various parts of the world. Th e study results support relations between lung cancer and radon irradiation in houses. To evaluate risk of lung cancer induced by radon, one can recommend value of 0.14 (with 90% confi dence interval 0.10–0.18) normalized for exposure to radon derivatives and corresponding to radon volumetric activity of 100 Bq/m3. Radon causes nearly 6% of lung cancer morbidity and mortality in Russia — that is over 3,000 new cases per year.