Radon therapy versus questionable medical uses

[FIELDRW@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/16/98 12:25:16 PM Central Daylight Time,
MFORD@pantex.com writes:

<< Other than alpha vs. photon, I don't see a whole lot of difference
 between radon therapy being used to jump start the body's immune
 system (and others) and sub-therapeutic doses administered in
 radiation oncology to stimulate the cancer patient's immune system
 prior to the administration of the therapy doses.
 
 Otherwise, where's the link between radon and cancer? >>


Michael,

I personally think the weight of the evidence is stronger to support the
assertion that exposure to radon in mines produces lung cancer versus the
evidence you cite to support its medicinal properties.  Are you  familiar with
the Denver Radium Service's claims in the early 1900s that radium emanation
(radon) was a diuretic, a laxative, and a stimulant vital to good health and
that it cured neuritis, rheumatism, toothache, heart attacks, hypertension,
insomnia, hay fever malnutrition, lumbago, and other diseases?  It would be
interesting to take a poll of radsfers to see how many drink water from radium
vitalizers versus test their home for radon.  We would have to modify the
question a bit concerning testing to also determine why they test.  Perhaps
some individuals seek out homes with high radon concentrations for their
therapeutic value.

Regards, Bill Field
bill-field@uiowa.edu
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