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Radon cancer risk higher in smokers

[Posted: Tue 27/09/2005 - www.irishhealth.com]

By Deborah Condon

Smokers are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer due to radon gas, compared to non-smokers, a new Europe-wide survey has found.

Radon, which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in all rocks and soil, has been classified as a class A carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. When it surfaces in the open air, it is quickly diluted to harmless concentrations. However when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house, it can sometimes build up to high concentrations, becoming a major health risk.

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The new survey, which looked at the health risks of radon gas, has been reviewed by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI).

According to the RPII, when applied to Ireland, the results indicate that radon is directly responsible for up to 200 lung cancer deaths every year and that those whose lungs have been damaged by tobacco smoke, account for the majority of these deaths.

Furthermore passive smokers are also at greater risk, as are former smokers, who remain at an increased risk for many years after they quit.

"Smoking remains the most important cause of lung cancer in Ireland, but when combined with radon exposure, the risk is even higher. For example, the risk of developing lung cancer for smokers who are also exposed to radon at the national reference level is about one in 30", explained Dr Harry Comber of the NCRI.

While radon can cause lung cancer in people who never smoked, he added, the risk is 'much lower', at about one in 700 at the national reference level.

"The advice from the RPII remains the same. There is no reason for anyone to be at risk from radon exposure, whether they are smokers or not. Testing is cheap and remediation where required is extremely cost effective", said RPII chief executive, Dr Ann McGarry.

The study, which looked at over 7,000 lung cancer deaths in nine European countries, is the largest epidemiological investigation ever carried out into radon in homes.

"For the first time, it gives numerical estimates for the risks of radon exposure to smokers", Dr McGarry added.

For more information on the health risks associated with radon exposure and testing radon levels, freephone 1800 300 600 or click on...

http://www.rpii.ie

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  Anonymous   Posted: 30/09/2005 10:30
Yet another reason to quit - as if any more were neded.
 
 
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