Author of

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  P2.10 - Prevention and Tobacco Control (Not CME Accredited Session) (ID 959)

  • Event: WCLC 2018
  • Type: Poster Viewing in the Exhibit Hall
  • Track:
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 9/25/2018, 16:45 - 18:00, Exhibit Hall

  • 27114

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    P2.10-15 - RADON: #1 Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers (ID 12621)

    16:45 - 18:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Kelley Bush
    • Abstract
    • Slides

    Background
    

    Radon, a known carcinogen, is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces, like homes, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels, which can be a risk to the health of you and your family. Radon gas breaks down or decays to form radioactive elements that can be inhaled into the lungs. In the lungs, decay continues, creating radioactive particles that release small bursts of energy. This energy is absorbed by nearby lung tissue, damaging the lung cells. The World Health Organization has identified radon exposure being the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking.

    a9ded1e5ce5d75814730bb4caaf49419 Method
    

    Recent epidemiological studies on indoor radon and lung cancer in Europe, North America and Asia provided strong evidence that radon causes a substantial number of lung cancers in the general population. Using the risk model developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and with the radon distribution obtained from a recent cross-Canada radon survey in about 14,000 homes, the Canadian age-specific rates for overall and lung cancer mortality rates averaged over five years from 2008 to 2012 and the Canadian age specific smoking prevalence data in 2002, the Canadian population risk for radon induced lung cancer was assessed.

    4c3880bb027f159e801041b1021e88e8 Result
    

    The population risk of radon-induced lung cancer is assessed by an attributable risk (AR). The ARs for Canadian males are 0.15 for ever-smokers and 0.29 for never-smokers. For Canadian females, the ARs are 0.14 for ever-smokers and 0.28 for never-smokers. The detailed breakdown of AR in different radon ranges showed that the risk increases with increased radon concentration.

    8eea62084ca7e541d918e823422bd82e Conclusion
    

    Based on the more accurate radon distribution characteristics obtained from the recent cross-Canada radon survey, the Canadian population risk of radon-induced lung cancer was assessed. The theoretical estimates show that about 14 – 16% of lung cancer deaths among Canadians are attributable to indoor radon exposure. The results strongly suggest that it is important to test your homes for radon, and take actions as required to effectively prevent and reduce radon-induced lung cancer.

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