Re: Radon and Smoking

[Kai Kaletsch <info@eic.nu>]

That is a good point!



It could also be that smokers only open their windows once the stench gets

too strong. If that habit is retained, ex-smokers would have HIGHER radon

levels than even non-smokers.



I think what this comes down to, is that we really don't know how a lung

cancer diagnosis affects the ventilation in a house.



Kai



----- Original Message -----

From: <Jack_Earley@RL.gov>

To: <info@eic.nu>; <blc+@PITT.EDU>; <bill-field@UIOWA.EDU>

Cc: <radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu>

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 9:55 AM

Subject: RE: Radon and Smoking





> Kai Kaletsch wrote:

>

> <<Sorry, I'm still hung up on understanding the smoking - radon

> relationship. To me, the mechanism is all important. If it is a causal

> relationship, one would expect the 0.9 ratio of radon in smoker's houses

to

> radon in non-smokers houses to become 1.0 once the smoker quits smoking.

If

> it is some socio-economic effect, the 0.9 ratio would remain as long as

the

> (ex)smoker remains in his/her house, regardless of current smoking

status.>>

>

>

> If, as Dr. Cohen postulates, the ratio results from smokers (or other

> residents) opening their windows for fresh air, the ratio won't

necessarily

> change after smoking cessation since the habit may be ingrained.

>

> Jack Earley

> Radiological Engineer

>





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