Residential Radon Exposure in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer in Lublin Region, Poland

Abstract

Exposure to radon is the second most common factor causing lung cancer in smokers and the first among non-smokers. We aimed to measure the impact of the radon exposure on patients with different histological types of advanced lung cancer. The measurement of radon exposure was performed in 102 patients with lung cancer in stage 3B or higher (Poland). There were 78.4% of patients with non-small cell carcinoma and 21.6% of patients with small cell carcinoma. One month radon exposure measurement was performed with trace detectors in order to control whether high radon concentrations (>800 Bq/m3) were found in the homes of patients with cancer diagnosed. Results of the determinations were then compared with the representation of the most common types of lung cancer in the study population. In the analyzed group, the average concentration of radon during the exposure of the detector in the residential premises of the respondents accounted for 69.0 Bq/m3 [37.0–117.0] and had no statistically significant effect on the type of lung cancer developed in patients. The lack of statistical significance may result from the small study group and the accompanying exposure to other harmful components. As the incidence of lung adenocarcinoma is increasing and exposure to tobacco smoke is decreasing, the search for other modifiable causes of lung cancer should be the task in the future.

Radon – occurrence and impact on the health

“…All histological types of lung cancer may be caused by radon, but the most often is adenocarcinoma [25]. The results of Grzywa-Celińska et al [26] showed that the radon exposure in homes at average concentration of No 1 69 Bq/m 3 was connected with non small cell carcinoma (78.4%) and small cell carcinoma (21.6%) among Lublin region (Poland) patients.…”

Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring and Measurements: Radon and Thoron

“…Grzywa-Celińska et al [ 15 ] studied the statistical relationship of residential radon exposure in patients with advanced lung cancer. They measured radon in dwellings in Poland of 102 patients with stage 3B or higher lung cancer.…”