Regulatory Approach Toward Controlling Exposure to Radon in Dwellings

Abstract

Radon at elevated concentration in dwellings is believed to be a significant contributor to the induction of excess lung cancer. This belief arises from assessments made by some countries on the rates of lung cancer incidence or deaths resulting from the exposure to radon and radon daughters in dwellings. International guidance on radon exposure reduction and national policies define two concentration levels, namely, action level for existing houses and upper bound for new buildings. Some countries have already established national regulatory policies for indoor radon and have formulated technical measures for remedial actions, while many others are in the process. However, the action levels and upper bounds for radon seem to vary significantly between international organisations and also between countries. Such diverse examples on radon policy present problems for countries which look for guidance in framing national regulatory measures for indoor radon. Also this state of affairs clearly depicts lack of consensus among scientists tackling radon problems in houses. Efforts at international levels are highly desirable to devise consistent policy on indoor radon levels and on principles and procedures for technical remedial actions.