Integrated Criteria Document Radon

Abstract

This document on the subject of radon contains data on sources, emissions, dispersion and risks. Risks are based on a comparison of exposure levels and detrimental effects. The main risk to humans from radon is the induction of lung cancer. Possible techniques to reduce these risks, as well as the costs involved, are discussed. A number of potential policy scenarios for radon are also examined. The mean Rn-222 concentration in Dutch living rooms is 29 Bq m-3 (range 8-140 Bq m-3), which falls within the range of 20-90 Bq m-3 observed in other European countries. The soil (averaging about 70%) and the building materials used (about 30%) are the principal contributors to the Rn-222 concentrations in indoor air. The mean outdoor atmospheric concentrations in the Netherlands is about 3 Bq m-3 (1-10 Bq m-3, depending on the geographical location). The average exposure to radon daughters in the Netherlands corresponds to a lung cancer mortality of 60 (uncertainty interval: 30-120) per million persons per year (80% resulting from Rn-222 and 20% from Rn-220). Knowledge of radon in the Netherlands is still incomplete. Research into Rn-222 exposures in office buildings, factories, schools and day nurseries, and additional field test of the effectiveness of radon control measures are recommended. As knowledge of Rn-220 exposures is virtually non-existent, exploratory research is also recommended.<br>