Radon exposure as an occupational risk factor for lung cancer in conventional workplaces. An overview.

Abstract

Introduction: Radon gas has been a declared human carcinogen for more than 30 years and has been causally associated with lung cancer. Studies have shown a linear relationship between residential radon exposure and lung cancer risk.

Areas covered: Initially, this risk was subjected to cohorts of underground miners and then in case-control studies in the general population.While the evidence on residential radon exposure and lung cancer risk is extensive, there is little evidence on occupational radon exposure in conventional workplaces. Studies estimating radon-attributed mortality and prevalence also consider only residential radon exposure.

Expert opinion: As individuals are also exposed to radon in the workplace, further studies should incorporate an integrated assessment of radon exposure, including both residential and occupational exposure.The European Council Directive established specifications for occupational exposure to radon, indicating the reference level and making it mandatory to measure radon in the workplace. EU countries have adopted national legislation incorporating this framework, some relatively recently. These regulations create an unprecedented situation for previously and currently exposed workers. It is important that the legislation on the determination of radon concentrations in the workplace is rigorously enforced and introduced in countries where this is not yet the case.