Uncertainties About Health Effects of Radon

Abstract

The validity of the studies and the interpretation of these studies that are the basis of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s recommended action level of 4 pCi/liter of radon in residences are strongly questioned. The many assumptions that were made to arrive at this figure and the large amount of money necessary to attain this level in some residences are highlighted. The synergistic effect of smoking and radon exposure on human health is noted. One epidemiological study carried out by Bernard L. Cohn at the University of Pittsburgh has stored relevant data for about a third of the counties of the US, and multivariant analysis of the data led to the conclusion that at low doses of radon found in the average home, radon does not have an adverse effect on health. The author suggests that EPA should give priority to identifying rare circumstances, high permeability and radon content, where high levels of radon prevail and encourage remediation there rather than wholesale action where levels of radon are low.