Biological Effects of Radon Is Term Paper

Total Length: 948 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

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Since radon is a widely known and established carcinogen, researchers have found it important to investigate the biological risks associated with exposure. Catelinois et al. (2006) sought to assess the lung cancer risk in France due to the inhalation of radon. In particular, these researchers examined exposure-response results of both studies involving miners as well as case control studies, and furthermore investigated the interaction between radon and tobacco. The results of this study indicated that the estimated number of deaths due to lung cancer that could be attributed to radon exposure ranged from 543 to 3108 with a 90% uncertainty level. The specific number of deaths was dependent on the particular model being adhered to. From this number, the researchers suggested that 2.2% to 12.4% of these lung cancer deaths may actually be due to indoor radon exposure (Catelinois et al. 2006).

Since exposure to radon is widely considered to be one of the greatest risks of ionizing radiation and associated health problems in working and residential areas, researchers have place increasing attention towards models that may provide accurate estimations of health risk. The development of models that may provide accurate estimations of health risks associated with radon exposure could lead to improved precautions and prevention initiatives in both work and residential settings.
Breier, Bohm, and Kopani (2006) attempted to predict the biological effects of radon exposure on lung tissue target cells through the use of a bystander model. This bystander model considered the response due to radiation as a superposition of the bystander effect, or cells communication effect, and the direct alpha particles hit effect. The researchers also calculated energy deposits in the air gap and in the lung tissue. The investigation finally involved the evaluation of exponential radon progenies in the mucous layer of smokers and non-smokers. The results of study indicated that the excess relative risk value of lung cancer occurrence per unit of radon exposure was ERR/WLM=0.0047 for smokers and ERR/WLM=0.071 for non-smokers, which are in agreement with previous epidemiological data on the incidence of lung cancer for both mines and residential areas. Based on these results, Breier et al. (2006) concluded that the bystander model utilized is appropriate for the prediction of health risks associated with radon exposure......

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"Biological Effects Of Radon Is", 02 April 2007, Accessed.20 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/biological-effects-radon-38887