Radon as a carcinogenic built-environmental pollutant

Radon (222Rn) has been highlighted by a number of authors as a significant public health concern. For example, it is the second most significant cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking (ca. 1,000-2,000 and 21,000 deaths per year in the UK and USA respectively; US EPA, 2003; Darby et al., 2005; Dixon, 2006; HPA, 2009), yet a very high proportion of the general public appears to be unaware of the risk. This chapter deals with topical radon issues such as radon in the workplace; radon in homes; exposure to radon during leisure activities; radon and water; measurement and monitoring; seasonal correction; remediation; cancer risks; cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness; mapping; future policies; and further research. This assessment of the state of radon research is focused on the UK as an example of a country where radon has been on the governmental agenda since the late 1970s, but also highlights radon issues throughout the world in, for example, the USA, Europe and Asia.