The origin and health effect of radon are first identified. In Hong Kong, the main contribution to the indoor radon concentration comes from building materials. The relatively high radium content in building materials used in Hong Kong explains the high indoor radon concentrations measured. Using risk analysis and established data, radon induced lung cancer deaths have been estimated and remedial measures have been recommended. The variations with age of building and type of ventilation are stated to be additional controlling factors. The possible effects of radon solubility in water are also explored.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Grainger C.R. (1988). Geochemistry and environmental health; Radon in Cornwall. J of Roy Soc Hlth, 108; 57-58
2.
Guan Z.J., Yu K.N., Young E C M, Stokes M.J. and Mok H.M. (1991). Indoor radon levels and their relationship with radon exhalation rates from building surface in Hong Kong. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Sunyatseni, 30; N4, 51-55 (in Chinese)
3.
Hanson D.J., (1989). Radon tagged as cancer hazard by most studies, researchers. Chemical & Engineering News, Feb 6 issue; 7-13Ingersoll J.G. (1983). Health Phys, 45; 363
4.
International Commission On Radiological Protection (1987). Lung cancer risk from indoor exposures to radon daughters. Annals of the ICRP, V7, nol, ICRP publication, NY, Pergamon press
5.
Maher E.F., Rudnick S.N. and Moeller D.W. (1987). Effective removal ofairborne 222Rn decay products inside buildings, Health Physics, 53; 351
Puskin J.S. and Yang Y. (1988). A retrospective look at Rninduced lung cancer mortality from the viewpoint of a relative risk model. Health Physics, 54; 635
8.
UNITED NATIONS SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON THE EFFECTS OF ATOMIC RADIATION (1982). Ionising radiation; sources and biological effects. NY; United Nations
9.
UNITED NATIONS SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON THE EFFECTS OF ATOMIC RADIATION (1988). Sources, effects and risks of ionising radiation. NY; United Nations
10.
Yu K.N., Guan Z.J., Stokes M.J. and Young E C M (1992). The assessment of the natural radiation dose committed to the Hong Kong people. J of Env Radioactivity, 17; 31-48
11.
Yu K.N., Young E C M and Stokes M.J. (1990). Radon pollution in buildings in Hong Kong; health effects and remedial measures. Hong Kong Eng, July 1990, 20-23
12.
Zhang S.R. et al (1988). Chin J Radiolog Med Prot, 3; 88
