MERRY WIDOW HEALTH MINE

[a59114@generation]

Hello Radsafers,

I was watching the CNN programme 'Earth matters' earlier today and 
they had an interesting insert about a mine in Boulder Montana (?)  
called the "Merry Widow Health Mine" where people apparently go to 
expose themselves to the beneficial effects of radon.  People pay to 
spend several 3 hour sessions in the mine in the belief that the 
radon will cure them of various ailments including arthritis.  The 
programme featured various health authorities stressing the 
dangers associated with radon since it has been linked to lung 
cancer, but the patients were undeterred, with one woman stating her 
belief that this must be a different kind of "good" radon.  

I would like to use this as an example of people's confused ideas about 
radiation next time I address a lay audience, but I need more info.  
If anybody knows where I can obtain it will you please let me know at 
the e-mail address below?

Thanks and regards.
Gina Lamparelli
Chief Physicist Generation Nuclear Assurance
Eskom South Africa
A59114@generation.eskom.co.za
Tel: +27-11-800-5162
Fax: +27-11-800-5792
Standard disclaimer applies