A cost-effectiveness analysis of domestic radon remediation in four primary care trusts located in Northamptonshire, UK

Evaluating the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of the radon remediation programme in domestic properties in Northamptonshire, UK

“…If a rate of 3.5% had been applied in these studies, it would have reduced the cost per life-year gained. Finally, following the formation of the PCTs, Coskeran et al [43] have reviewed the series and discussed the implications for each of the four PCTs in Northamptonshire. Overall, domestic radon remediation programmes in all four PCTs are likely Table 5 Estimates of lung cancers related to radon in Northamptonshire; assuming 10% remediation and risk profile as Denman et al [ to be cost-effective, provided sufficient householders remediate.…”

“…This encouragement could come, as Coskeran et al [43] have suggested, in the form of subsidies or grants to householders. A further alternative would be a lower rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) on remediation.…”

“…As Coskeran et al [43] suggest, PCTs also have an important role to play in raising the profile of radon as a threat to health, and primary care practitioners can be especially effective in this area [50]. In particular, general practitioners (GPs) are in a position to discuss the effects of radon and potential remediation methods with those patients they know to be at greatest risk, an approach that would parallel GPs' response to patients who smoke.…”

The cost-effectiveness of radon-proof membranes in new homes: A case study from Brixworth, Northamptonshire, UK

“…As in [3], an equilibrium factor of 0.5 was used, as was the relationship, derived by the NRPB from epidemiological studies of the risk from radon, that one milliSievert equals 126,000 Bq m −3 h. Estimated lung cancers averted from the reduced annual radiation dose were based on the assessment that 3.5 × 10 −4 lung cancers are induced per Working Level Month [10]. Membranes were also assumed to reduce radon exposure for 40 years, an assumption adopted in earlier studies [14][15][16][17][18].…”

“…In contrast, several, among them [3] and [14][15][16][17][18], have investigated the cost-effectiveness of remediating existing properties. This paper, therefore, addresses a relatively research-deficient topic.…”