Re: Radon Information

["Otto G. Raabe" <ograabe@ucdavis.edu>]

January 22, 1999
Davis, CA

I did my Ph.D. research on radon decay products back in the 60's and have
been following the subject closely ever since. Last year I attended the
press conference of the National Academy of Sciences where BEIR VI was
unveiled. In addition, I major portion of my research over the past 30
years has been in the area of inhalation toxicology. I offer the following
personal opinion based on my knowledge and experience:

It is unlikely that there are significant lifetime risks of lung cancer
associated with exposure to radon decay products in the home in cases where
the average concentration of radon in the home is below 10
picocuries/liter. Very few homes in the U.S. have higher levels than 10
pCi/L. On the other hand, about 95% of LUNG CANCER in the U.S. is clearly
associated with the inhalation of tobacco smoke. The other 5% seems to be
associated with general urban air pollution. There has always been radon in
homes, but before cigarettes became popular lung cancer was a rare disease.
It should be clear where we need to put our efforts if we wish to reduce
the incidence of lung cancer in the U.S.

I hope this helps....

Otto 
		*****************************************************
		Prof. Otto G. Raabe, Ph.D., CHP
              Institute of Toxicology & Environmental Health (ITEH)
		     (Street address: Old Davis Road)
		University of California, Davis, CA 95616
		Phone: 530-752-7754  FAX: 530-758-6140
		E-mail ograabe@ucdavis.edu
              *****************************************************
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