Abstract
It is not known whether residential radon exposure may be linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or have an influence on the functional characteristics or exacerbations of COPD. The aim of this study was therefore to ascertain whether there might be an association between residential radon concentrations and certain characteristics of COPD. We analyzed COPD cases drawn from a case–control study conducted in an area of high radon exposure. Data were collected on spirometric pulmonary function variables, hospital admissions, and smoking. Radon measurements were taken using alpha-track-type CR-39 detectors individually placed in patients’ homes. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS v22 computer software program. The study included 189 COPD cases (79.4% men; median age 64 years). The median radon concentration was 157 Bq/m3. No differences were found between radon concentration and sex, age or severity of breathing obstruction as measured by FEV1%. It should be noted, however, that 48.1% of patients with FEV1% < 50 had radon concentrations below 100 Bq/m3, as compared to 35.6% with the same severity of obstruction who had over 300 Bq/m3. COPD cases with radon concentrations higher than > 600 Bq/m3 exhibited no different characteristics in lung function. Exposure to radon does not appear to have an influence on the clinical characteristics of smokers and ex-smokers with COPD. As exposure to residential radon increases, there is no trend towards a worsening of FEV1%. Further studies are thus needed to analyze this possible association in never-smokers with COPD.
Highlights
Exposure to passive smoking, history of repeated lower respiratory tract infections during childhood, history of tuberculosis or chronic asthma, and premature birth or low birth weight[8,9]
The majority of the cases included had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at some time during the 3 years prior to their inclusion, with a median FEV1% of 55.5% ( 25th–75th percentile, 40.0–70.9%), and almost half the participants reported at least one hospital admission due to COPD exacerbation in the preceding 2 years
On analyzing radon concentration divided into three categories (< 100 Bq/m3, 100–299 Bq/m3 and ≥ 300 Bq/m3), no significant differences were observed in terms of severity of obstruction as measured by FEV1% or COPD cases who had lived more than 30 years in the same dwelling
Summary
Exposure to passive smoking, history of repeated lower respiratory tract infections during childhood, history of tuberculosis or chronic asthma, and premature birth or low birth weight[8,9]. Odorless, tasteless noble gas that comes from the disintegration of uranium contained in rocks forming part of the Earth’s crust[10]. It can accumulate in closed spaces such as dwellings and workplaces[11]. Residential radon exposure has recently been postulated as an effect modifier in the appearance of COPD in never-smokers and ex-smokers[15] Notwithstanding these data, there is hardly any scientific evidence on the possible influence of radon on lung function or the number of hospital admissions due to COPD exacerbation. The main aim of this study was to ascertain the characteristics of patients with COPD in a residentialradon-prone area, and analyze whether such exposure might be associated with pulmonary function variables, hospital admissions, and COPD exacerbations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
