Radon potential, geologic formations, and lung cancer risk
| Autor: | William M. Andrews, Yevgeniya Gokun, Amanda T. Wiggins, Mary Kay Rayens, Heather E. Robertson, Ellen J. Hahn, Bethany L. Overfield |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2015 |
| Předmět: |
Geochemistry
chemistry.chemical_element lcsh:Medicine Health Informatics Radon Target population computer.software_genre Lung Cancer Prevention Radon exposure Lung neoplasms Medicine Lung cancer business.industry North central Prevention & control lcsh:R Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Regular Article Geology medicine.disease Geologic map respiratory tract diseases Environmental health chemistry Geological survey Data mining business computer |
| Zdroj: | Preventive Medicine Reports, Vol 2, Iss C, Pp 342-346 (2015) Preventive Medicine Reports |
| ISSN: | 2211-3355 |
| Popis: | Objective Exposure to radon is associated with approximately 10% of U.S. lung cancer cases. Geologic rock units have varying concentrations of uranium, producing fluctuating amounts of radon. This exploratory study examined the spatial and statistical associations between radon values and geological formations to illustrate potential population-level lung cancer risk from radon exposure. Method This was a secondary data analysis of observed radon values collected in 1987 from homes (N = 309) in Kentucky and geologic rock formation data from the Kentucky Geological Survey. Radon value locations were plotted on digital geologic maps using ArcGIS and linked to specific geologic map units. Each map unit represented a package of different types of rock (e.g., limestone and/or shale). Log-transformed radon values and geologic formation categories were compared using one-way analysis of variance. Results Observed radon levels varied significantly by geologic formation category. Of the 14 geologic formation categories in north central Kentucky, four were associated with median radon levels, ranging from 8.10 to 2.75 pCi/L. Conclusion Radon potential maps that account for geologic factors and observed radon values may be superior to using observed radon values only. Knowing radon-prone areas could help target population-based lung cancer prevention interventions given the inequities that exist related to radon. Highlights • We examine spatial and statistical associations between radon and rock formations. • Observed radon levels vary significantly by geologic formation category. • Four rock types are associated with high radon levels. • Mapping both rock formations and radon values may be better than radon alone. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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