One century of radon therapy

Abstract

Supplementing a recent review 'Health effects of high radon environments in Central Europe: another test for the HLNT hypothesis [1]', this review of medical radon applications (in particular for the treatment of painful degenerative joint and spine diseases) covers mainly the first century of large-scale use and scientific studies on this subject since the discovery of radon. Most of the studies and experiences originated in Europe, in particular Germany, Austria, and the former USSR. They have in common that they are not well known in the anglophonic scientific literature, where radon therapy is still frequently considered a placebo-type 'traditional medicine', and not be compared with the drugs such as non-steroid antirheumatics. However, based on the substantial experiences as reflected in more than one thousand papers, mostly in peer-reviewed scientific journals, on this subject, radon therapy by inhalation or baths has been established as an evidence-based effective treatment not only by empirical experience in different times and cultures, but also in randomised clinical double-blind studies. It should be further explored as an effective alternative to the use of pharmaca. Unlike radon, drugs cause serious side effects, with more than ten thousand annual casualties. The benefits in the adequate use of low-dose radon exposures far exceed the hypothetical lung cancer risk attributed to the inhalation of low radon concentrations. Further research could provide better understanding of the mechanism of the stimulating radon effects on the body's defence systems.

Hydrochemical evaluation of bottled mineral waters and spring at Corumbataí city, São Paulo State, Brazil

“…But most of others countries preferred to adopt "Curie" rather than MU for expressing the radioactivity, following recommendations proposed in the Second Congress of Radiology realized in 1910 at Brussels [20]. The correspondence between them is: 1 MU = 364 pCi/L, or 1000 pCi/L = 2.75 MU [21]. In terms of Brazil, spas had much developed in the early 1900s, many of them suffering influence of German immigrants.…”

Introductory Chapter: Radon Phenomenon

“…Radon treatment involves inhalation from natural sources (ore mine) or bathing in the water that contains radon, while there is less use of radon-rich drinking water [20,21]. The irst results of radon-rich water activity were observed in patients with acute and chronic rheumatism, motor regeneration, postraumatic and postsurgical conditions, and other diseases of the organism [20,22].…”

Radon Treatment Controversy

“…In addition to previously mentioned Bad Gastein in Austria, the currently best-known radon treatment centers with medical supervision are: Bad Hofgastein in Austria; Plombieres in France; Bad Kreunznach, Bad Munster and Schlema in Germany; Ischia in Italy; Misasa in Japan; and Pyatigorsk in Russia (Becker 2004). There are numerous other less known radon therapy centers such as Ikaria in Greece, Jachymov in the Czech Republic, Jahuel Hot Springs in Chile, Hisarja in Bulgaria, Felix Spa in Romania and many others.…”