This chapter gives an introduction to the history of radon including research, case studies, and its effects on human health.
Chapter Outline
- Chapter 1: Introduction to Radon & Health Risk
- Introduction to Radon
- History of Radon
- Sources of Natural Radiation
- The Discovery of Radioactivity & How to Measure It
- The Discovery of Radium & Polonium
- Radon Research
- Miner Studies
- Animal Studies
- Residential Studies
- Health Effects of Radon
- Carcinogenic Health Effects
- Risk Estimates
- Radiation Exposure and Sources
- Radon Risk by Occupation
- The Tobacco Correlation
- EPA Citizens Guide
- Ethics
- Protecting Consumer Trust
- Communicating Responsibly
- Minimum Standards vs Best Practices
Chapter Learning Objectives
- Define the number of deaths per year attributed to radon-induced lung cancer.
- Explain the DNA effects of ionizing radiation.
- Identify three primary sources for the scientific basis of radon risk estimates.
- Cite the most definitive report of scientific data on indoor radon.
- Cite the percentage of radiation exposure caused by indoor radon to the general public in comparison with natural and manmade sources.
- Identify the EPA action level at which consumers are recommended to take corrective action to fix indoor radon levels.
- Identify the carcinogenic classification of radon.