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Samuels C, Marsh J, Leggett R. An age- and sex-specific biokinetic model for radon . JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2023; 43:041502. [PMID: 37725955 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/acfb19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Publication 137 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) describes a biokinetic model for radon used to derive dose coefficients for occupational intake of radon isotopes. The model depicts transfer of inhaled or ingested radon to blood, exchange of radon between blood and tissues, and gradual loss of radon from the body based on physical laws governing transfer of a non-reactive and soluble gas between materials. This paper describes an age- and sex-specific variation of that model developed for use in an upcoming ICRP series of reports on environmental intake of radionuclides by members of the public titled 'Dose Coefficients for Intakes of Radionuclides by Members of the Public'. The proposed model modifies the model structure and transfer coefficients presented in Publication 137 to allow more realistic dosimetric treatment of bone marrow and breast and expands the model to address pre-adult ages, based on the physical principles used in the development of the model of Publication 137 together with anatomical and physiological changes occurring during human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh Samuels
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
| | - James Marsh
- UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rich Leggett
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
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Hansen V, Petersen D, Søgaard-Hansen J, Rigét FF, Mosbech A, Clausen DS, Mulvad G, Rönnqvist T. Indoor radon survey in Greenland and dose assessment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 257:107080. [PMID: 36446183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Indoor radon and its decay products are the primary sources of the population's exposure to background ionizing radiation. Radon decay products are one of the leading causes of lung cancer, with a higher lung cancer risk for smokers due to the synergistic effects of radon decay products and cigarette smoking. A total of 459 year-long radon measurements in 257 detached and semi-detached residential homes in southwest and south Greenland were carried out, and a dose assessment for adults was performed. The annual arithmetic and geometric means of indoor radon concentrations was 10.5 ± 0.2 Bq m-3 and 8.0 ± 2.3 Bq m-3 in Nuuk, 139.0 ± 1.0 Bq m-3 and 97.3 ± 2.1 Bq m-3 in Narsaq, and 42.1 ± 0.7 Bq m-3 and 22.0 ± 3.1 Bq m-3 in Qaqortoq. Arithmetic and geometric mean radon concentration of 79.0 Bq m-3 and 50.3 Bq m-3 were estimated for adult, person-weighted living in south Greenland. The total number of detached and semi-detached residential homes where indoor radon is exceeding 100 Bq m-3, 200 Bq m-3, and 300 Bq m-3 is 37 homes (15.0%), 13 homes (5.2%), and 8 homes (3.2%), respectively. A positive correlation between indoor air radon concentrations and underlying geology was observed. The indoor radon contribution to the annual inhalation effective dose to an average adult was 0.5 mSv in Nuuk, 6.5 mSv in Narsaq, 2.0 mSv in Qaqortoq, and 4.0 mSv for south Greenland adult person weighted. The estimated annual average effective dose to adults in Narsaq is higher than the world's average annual effective dose of 1.3 mSv due to inhalation of indoor radon. Cost-efficient mitigation methods exist to reduce radon in existing buildings, and to prevent radon entry into new buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Hansen
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Frank Farsø Rigét
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark; Greenland Institute for Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, GL-3900, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Anders Mosbech
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Daniel Spelling Clausen
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gert Mulvad
- Greenland Center for Health Research (GCHR), Institute of Nursing & Health Science, University of Greenland, Manutooq 1, 3905, Nuussuaq, Greenland
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Rääf CL, Tondel M, Isaksson M, Wålinder R. Average uranium bedrock concentration in Swedish municipalities predicts male lung cancer incidence rate when adjusted for smoking prevalence: Indication of a cumulative radon induced detriment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158899. [PMID: 36165824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bedrock U has been used as a proxy for local indoor radon exposure. A preliminary assessment of cancer incidence rate in a cohort of 809,939 adult males living in 9 different Swedish counties in 1986 has been used to correlate the cumulative lung cancer and total cancer (excluding lung) incidence rates between 1986 and 2020, respectively with the municipality average value of bedrock U concentration obtained from Swedish geological Survey (SGU). To control for regional difference in tobacco smoking, data on county average smoking prevalence, obtained from a survey conducted by the Public Health Agency of Sweden from 2001 to 2004, was used. Regression analysis shows that there is a significant positive correlation between smoking prevalence adjusted lung cancer incidence rate in males and the municipality bedrock U concentration (R2 = 0.273 with a slope 5.0 ± 0.87·10-3 ppm-1). The correlation is even more significant (R2 = 0.759 with a slope = 4.8 ± 0.25·10-3 ppm-1) when assessed on population weighted cancer incidence data binned in nine intervals of municipality average bedrock U concentration (ranging from 0.97 to 4.9 ppm). When assessing the corresponding correlations for total cancer incidence rate (excluding cancer of the lung) with adjustment for smoking prevalence, there appears to be no or little correlation with bedrock U concentration (R2 = 0.031). We conclude that an expanded future study needs age-standardized cancer incidence data to obtain a more consistent exposure-response model. Such model could be used to predict future lung cancer cases based on geological survey maps of bedrock U as an alternative to laborious indoor radon measurements, and to discern what future lung cancer rates can be expected for a population nearing zero smoking prevalence, with and without radon prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Rääf
- Medical Physics, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Martin Tondel
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mats Isaksson
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Wålinder
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Quantification of doses and health risks to organs and tissues corresponding to different age groups due to radon in water. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Hofmann W, Lettner H, Hubmer A. Dosimetric Comparison of Exposure Pathways to Human Organs and Tissues in Radon Therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10870. [PMID: 34682614 PMCID: PMC8535235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Three therapeutic applications are presently prescribed in the radon spas in Gastein, Austria: exposure to radon in a thermal bath, exposure to radon vapor in an exposure chamber (vapor bath), and exposure to radon in the thermal gallery, a former mine. The radiological exposure pathways to human organs and tissues in these therapeutic radon applications are inhalation of radon and radon progeny via the lungs, radon transfer from water or air through the skin, and radon-progeny deposition on the skin in water or air. The objectives of the present study were to calculate radon and radon-progeny doses for selected organs and tissues for the different exposure pathways and therapeutic applications. Doses incurred in red bone marrow, liver, kidneys, and Langerhans cells in the skin may be correlated with potential therapeutic benefits, while doses to the lungs and the basal cells of the skin indicate potential carcinogenic effects. The highest organ doses among the three therapeutic applications were produced in the thermal gallery by radon progeny via inhalation, with lung doses of 5.0 mSv, and attachment to the skin, with skin doses of 4.4 mSv, while the radon contribution was less significant. For comparison, the primary exposure pathways in the thermal bath are the radon uptake through the skin, with lung doses of 334 μSv, and the radon-progeny attachment to the skin, with skin doses of 216 μSv, while the inhalation route can safely be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Hofmann
- Biological Physics, Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (H.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Herbert Lettner
- Biological Physics, Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (H.L.); (A.H.)
- Radiological Measurement Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander Hubmer
- Biological Physics, Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (H.L.); (A.H.)
- Radiological Measurement Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Berlivet J, Hémon D, Cléro É, Ielsch G, Laurier D, Faure L, Clavel J, Goujon S. Residential exposure to natural background radiation at birth and risk of childhood acute leukemia in France, 1990-2009. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 233:106613. [PMID: 33895630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of natural background radiation (NBR) in childhood acute leukemia (AL) remains unclear. Several large record based studies have recently reported heterogeneous results. Differences in exposure assessment timing may explain this heterogeneity. OBJECTIVES In a previous ecological study we did not observe any association between childhood AL incidence in France and NBR exposure at the time of diagnosis. With the same methodology, the present study focused on NBR exposure at the time of birth. Based on data from the French national registry of childhood cancer, we analyzed all AL together, and lymphoblastic and myeloid AL, separately. METHODS We included 6,059 childhood AL cases born and diagnosed in mainland France between 1990 and 2009. NBR levels in municipalities of residence at birth were estimated by cokriging models, using NBR measurements and precise geological data. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) per unit variation of exposure was estimated with Poisson regression models, with adjustment for socio-demographic indicators and ultraviolet radiation levels. NBR exposures were considered at the time of birth, and cumulatively from birth to diagnosis. We also estimated a total NBR dose to red-bone marrow (RBM). RESULTS There was no evidence for an association between NBR exposure at birth and childhood AL incidence, neither overall (gamma radiation: IRR = 0.99 (0.94,1.05) per 50 nSv/h; radon: IRR = 0.97 (0.91,1.03) per 100 Bq/m3) nor for the main AL types. The conclusions were similar with the cumulative exposures, and the total RBM dose. CONCLUSIONS The study was based on high quality incidence data, large numbers of AL cases, and validated models of NBR exposure assessment. In all, the results further support the hypothesis that NBR are not associated to childhood AL in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Berlivet
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Villejuif, F-94807, France
| | - Denis Hémon
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Villejuif, F-94807, France
| | - Énora Cléro
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Health and Environment Division, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92262, France
| | - Geraldine Ielsch
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Health and Environment Division, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92262, France
| | - Dominique Laurier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Health and Environment Division, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92262, France
| | - Laure Faure
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Villejuif, F-94807, France; French National Registry of Childhood Hematological Malignancies (RNHE), Villejuif, F-94807, France
| | - Jacqueline Clavel
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Villejuif, F-94807, France; French National Registry of Childhood Hematological Malignancies (RNHE), Villejuif, F-94807, France
| | - Stéphanie Goujon
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Villejuif, F-94807, France; French National Registry of Childhood Hematological Malignancies (RNHE), Villejuif, F-94807, France.
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Richardson DB, Rage E, Demers PA, Do MT, DeBono N, Fenske N, Deffner V, Kreuzer M, Samet J, Wiggins C, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Kelly-Reif K, Tomasek L, Zablotska LB, Laurier D. Mortality among uranium miners in North America and Europe: the Pooled Uranium Miners Analysis (PUMA). Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:633-643. [PMID: 33232447 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pooled Uranium Miners Analysis (PUMA) study draws together information from cohorts of uranium miners from Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany and the USA. METHODS Vital status and cause of death were ascertained and compared with expectations based upon national mortality rates by computing standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) overall and by categories of time since first hire, calendar period of first employment and duration of employment as a miner. RESULTS There were 51 787 deaths observed among 118 329 male miners [SMR = 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.06]. The SMR was elevated for all cancers (n = 16 633, SMR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.25), due primarily to excess mortality from cancers of the lung (n = 7756, SMR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.86, 1.94), liver and gallbladder (n = 549, SMR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.25), larynx (n = 229, SMR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.26), stomach (n = 1058, SMR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.15) and pleura (n = 39, SMR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.44). Lung-cancer SMRs increased with duration of employment, decreased with calendar period and persisted with time since first hire. Among non-malignant causes, the SMR was elevated for external causes (n = 3362, SMR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.36, 1.46) and respiratory diseases (n = 4508, SMR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.36), most notably silicosis (n = 814, SMR = 13.56; 95% CI: 12.64, 14.52), but not chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 1729, SMR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.02). CONCLUSIONS Whereas there are important obstacles to the ability to detect adverse effects of occupational exposures via SMR analyses, PUMA provides evidence of excess mortality among uranium miners due to a range of categories of cause of death. The persistent elevation of SMRs with time since first hire as a uranium miner underscores the importance of long-term follow-up of these workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Rage
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - P A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - M T Do
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - N DeBono
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - N Fenske
- Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - V Deffner
- Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - M Kreuzer
- Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - J Samet
- Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C Wiggins
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- New Mexico Tumor Registry, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - M K Schubauer-Berigan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - K Kelly-Reif
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - L Tomasek
- Radiation Protection Institute, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L B Zablotska
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Laurier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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Kendall GM, Little MP, Wakeford R. A review of studies of childhood cancer and natural background radiation. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:769-781. [PMID: 33395329 PMCID: PMC10686050 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1867926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The projected existence and magnitude of carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation at low doses and low-dose rates is perhaps the most important issue in radiation protection today. Studies of childhood cancer and natural background radiation have the potential to throw direct light on this question, into a dose range below a few tens of mSv. This paper describes the studies that have been undertaken and their context, discusses some problems that arise and summarizes the present position. CONCLUSIONS Many such studies have been undertaken, but most were too small to have a realistic chance of detecting the small effects expected from such low doses, based on risk projections from higher exposures. Case-control or cohort studies are to be preferred methodologically to ecological studies but can be prone to problems of registration/participation bias. Interview-based studies of the requisite size would be prohibitively expensive and would undoubtedly also run into problems of participation bias. Register-based studies can be very large and are free of participation bias. However, they need to estimate the radiation exposure of study subjects using models rather than individual measurements in the homes of those concerned. At present, no firm conclusions can be drawn from the studies that have been published to date. Further data and perhaps pooled studies offer a way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kendall
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark P Little
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard Wakeford
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Grzywa-Celińska A, Krusiński A, Mazur J, Szewczyk K, Kozak K. Radon-The Element of Risk. The Impact of Radon Exposure on Human Health. TOXICS 2020; 8:E120. [PMID: 33327615 PMCID: PMC7765099 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases with multifactorial aetiology. Smoking has been undeniably recognized as the main aetiological factor in lung cancer, but it should be emphasized that it is not the only factor. It is worth noting that a number of nonsmokers also develop this disease. Radon exposure is the second greatest risk factor for lung cancer among smokers-after smoking-and the first one for nonsmokers. The knowledge about this element amongst specialist oncologists and pulmonologists seems to be very superficial. We discuss the impact of radon on human health, with particular emphasis on respiratory diseases, including lung cancer. A better understanding of the problem will increase the chance of reducing the impact of radon exposure on public health and may contribute to more effective prevention of a number of lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grzywa-Celińska
- Chair and Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Adam Krusiński
- Chair and Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jadwiga Mazur
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-342 Krakow, Poland; (J.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Szewczyk
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Kozak
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-342 Krakow, Poland; (J.M.); (K.K.)
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Erdmann F, Hvidtfeldt UA, Sørensen M, Raaschou-Nielsen O. Socioeconomic differences in the risk of childhood central nervous system tumors in Denmark: a nationwide register-based case-control study. Cancer Causes Control 2020; 31:915-929. [PMID: 32767157 PMCID: PMC7458950 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-020-01332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Differences in the risk of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors by socioeconomic status (SES) may enhance etiologic insights. We conducted a nationwide register-based case-control study to evaluate socioeconomic differences in the risk of childhood CNS tumors in Denmark and examined whether associations varied by different SES measures, time points of assessment, specific tumor types, and age at diagnosis. METHODS We identified all children born between 1981 and 2013 and diagnosed with a CNS tumor at ages 0-19 years (n = 1,273) from the Danish Cancer Registry and sampled four individually matched controls per case (n = 5,086). We used conditional logistic regression models to estimate associations with individual-level and neighborhood-level socioeconomic measures. RESULTS We observed elevated risks of ependymoma and embryonal CNS tumors in association with higher parental education (odds ratios (ORs) of 1.6-2.1 for maternal or paternal high education and ependymoma) and higher risk of all tumor types in association with higher maternal income, e.g., OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.05-3.52 for high versus low income for astrocytoma and other gliomas. Associations were often stronger in children diagnosed at ages 5-19 years. We found little evidence for an association with neighborhood SES. CONCLUSION This large nationwide register study with minimal risk of bias showed that having parents with higher educational level and a mother with higher income was associated with a higher risk of childhood CNS tumors. Bias or under-ascertainment of cases among families with low income or basic education is unlikely to explain our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Erdmann
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- German Childhood Cancer Registry, Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 69, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ulla Arthur Hvidtfeldt
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Natural Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, P.O. Box 260, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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Berlivet J, Hémon D, Cléro É, Ielsch G, Laurier D, Guissou S, Lacour B, Clavel J, Goujon S. Ecological association between residential natural background radiation exposure and the incidence rate of childhood central nervous system tumors in France, 2000-2012. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106071. [PMID: 31600676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose ionizing radiation is an established risk factor for childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST) but the role of low doses remains debated. In particular, there are few studies of natural background radiation (NBR, gamma radiation and radon) and childhood CNST, and their results are inconclusive. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the ecological association between NBR exposure and childhood CNST incidence in France, considering childhood CNST overall and by subgroups. METHODS Incidence data were provided by the French national registry of childhood cancers, which has high completeness. We included 5471 childhood CNST cases registered over the period 2000-2012, and their municipality of residence at diagnosis was recorded. Municipality NBR exposures were estimated by cokriging models, using NBR measurements and additional geographic data. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) per unit variation of exposure was estimated with Poisson regression models. NBR exposures were considered at the time of diagnosis, and cumulatively from birth to diagnosis. In an exploratory analysis, the total brain dose due to NBR was used. RESULTS Overall, there was no association between NBR exposure and childhood CNST incidence (IRR = 1.03 (0.98,1.09) per 50 nSv/h for gamma radiation, and IRR = 1.02 (0,96,1.07) per 100 Bq/m3 for radon). An association was suggested between pilocytic astrocytomas and gamma radiation (IRR = 1.12 (1.00,1.24) per 50 nSv/h) but not with radon (IRR = 1.07 (0.95,1.20) per 100 Bq/m3). Upward trends for this CNST subtype were also suggested with the cumulative exposures to gamma radiation and the total brain dose. NBR exposure was not associated with other CNST subgroups (ependymomas, embryonal tumors, and gliomas other than pilocytic astrocytomas). Adjustment for socio-demographic factors did not change the findings. CONCLUSIONS Our study was based on high quality incidence data, large numbers of CNST cases, and validated models of NBR exposure assessment. Results suggest an association between gamma radiation, as a component of NBR, and pilocytic astrocytomas incidence in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Berlivet
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidémiologie des Cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent Team (EPICEA), Villejuif, F-94807, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.
| | - Denis Hémon
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidémiologie des Cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent Team (EPICEA), Villejuif, F-94807, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Énora Cléro
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN, PSE-SANTE/SESANE, Fontenay aux Roses, F-92262, France
| | - Géraldine Ielsch
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN, PSE-ENV/SEREN, Fontenay aux Roses, F-92262, France
| | - Dominique Laurier
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN, PSE-SANTE/SESANE, Fontenay aux Roses, F-92262, France
| | - Sandra Guissou
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidémiologie des Cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent Team (EPICEA), Villejuif, F-94807, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France; CHU Nancy, French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumors (RNTSE), Faculté de Médecine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, F-54500, France
| | - Brigitte Lacour
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidémiologie des Cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent Team (EPICEA), Villejuif, F-94807, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France; CHU Nancy, French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumors (RNTSE), Faculté de Médecine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, F-54500, France
| | - Jacqueline Clavel
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidémiologie des Cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent Team (EPICEA), Villejuif, F-94807, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France; French National Registry of Childhood Hematological Malignancies (RNHE), Villejuif, F-94807, France
| | - Stéphanie Goujon
- Inserm, UMR 1153 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (CRESS), Epidémiologie des Cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent Team (EPICEA), Villejuif, F-94807, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France; French National Registry of Childhood Hematological Malignancies (RNHE), Villejuif, F-94807, France
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12
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Kim BG, Jeong KH, Shin HK. EVALUATION OF DOSE IN SLEEP BY MATTRESS CONTAINING MONAZITE. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 187:286-299. [PMID: 32415304 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Some companies in Korea have sold beds which contain a processed product containing monazite powder. Consumers may receive external exposure by radiation emitted by progeny radionuclides in uranium and thorium, and internal exposure through the breathing of radon progeny radionuclides produced in the decay chain. Thus, in this study, age specific dose conversion factors (mSv y-1 Bq-1) by external exposure and dose conversion factors by internal exposure (mSv y-1 per Bq m-3) were derived. Besides, a dose assessment program were developed to calculate dose by taking into account real conditions. And the age specific dose was evaluated using the radioactive concentration measured by the NSSC. As a results, external exposure was assessed to get effective doses in the range of 0.00086 to 0.0015 mSv y-1 by external exposure and a committed effective doses in the range of 1.3 to 12.26 mSv y-1 by internal exposure for all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Gi Kim
- Nuclear and Radiation Safety Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kyu-Hwan Jeong
- Nuclear and Radiation Safety Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Radiation Safety, Korea Institute of Nuclear and Safety, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyeong-Ki Shin
- Department of Radiation Safety, Korea Institute of Nuclear and Safety, Daejeon, Korea
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13
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Seibold P, Auvinen A, Averbeck D, Bourguignon M, Hartikainen JM, Hoeschen C, Laurent O, Noël G, Sabatier L, Salomaa S, Blettner M. Clinical and epidemiological observations on individual radiation sensitivity and susceptibility. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 96:324-339. [PMID: 31539290 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1665209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To summarize existing knowledge and to understand individual response to radiation exposure, the MELODI Association together with CONCERT European Joint Programme has organized a workshop in March 2018 on radiation sensitivity and susceptibility.Methods: The workshop reviewed the current evidence on this matter, to inform the MELODI Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), to determine social and scientific needs and to come up with recommendations for suitable and feasible future research initiatives to be taken for the benefit of an improved medical diagnosis and treatment as well as for radiation protection.Results: The present paper gives an overview of the current evidence in this field, including potential effect modifiers such as age, gender, genetic profile, and health status of the exposed population, based on clinical and epidemiological observations.Conclusion: The authors conclude with the following recommendations for the way forward in radiation research: (a) there is need for large (prospective) cohort studies; (b) build upon existing radiation research cohorts; (c) use data from well-defined cohorts with good exposure assessment and biological material already collected; (d) focus on study quality with standardized data collection and reporting; (e) improve statistical analysis; (f) cooperation between radiobiology and epidemiology; and (g) take consequences of radiosensitivity and radiosusceptibility into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Seibold
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anssi Auvinen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dietrich Averbeck
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), DRF, Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France
| | - Michel Bourguignon
- Department of Biophysics, Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), Versailles, France
| | - Jaana M Hartikainen
- School of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Biobank of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christoph Hoeschen
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Olivier Laurent
- Laboratoire d'épidémiologie des Rayonnements Ionisants, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LEPID, BP17, 92260, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Georges Noël
- Département Universitaire de Radiothérapie, Centre Paul-Strauss, Unicancer, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Laure Sabatier
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), DRF, Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France
| | - Sisko Salomaa
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria Blettner
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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14
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Kendall GM, Bithell JF, Bunch KJ, Draper GJ, Kroll ME, Murphy MFG, Stiller CA, Vincent TJ. Childhood cancer research in oxford III: The work of CCRG on ionising radiation. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:771-778. [PMID: 30131551 PMCID: PMC6173777 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0182-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High doses of ionising radiation are a known cause of childhood cancer and great public and professional interest attaches to possible links between childhood cancer and lower doses, particularly of man-made radiation. This paper describes work done by the Childhood Cancer Research Group (CCRG) on this topic METHODS: Most UK investigations have made use of the National Registry of Childhood Tumours and associated controls. Epidemiological investigations have included national incidence and mortality analyses, geographical investigations, record linkage and case-control studies. Dosimetric studies use biokinetic and dosimetric modelling. RESULTS This paper reviews the work of the CCRG on the association between exposure to ionising radiation and childhood cancer, 1975-2014. CONCLUSION The work of CCRG has been influential in developing understanding of the causes of 'clusters' of childhood cancer and the risks arising from exposure to ionising radiation both natural and man-made. Some clusters around nuclear installations have certainly been observed, but ionising radiation does not seem to be a plausible cause. The group's work has also been instrumental in discounting the hypothesis that paternal preconception irradiation was a cause of childhood cancers and has demonstrated an increased leukaemia risk for children exposed to higher levels of natural gamma-ray radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kendall
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
| | - John F Bithell
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Kathryn J Bunch
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Gerald J Draper
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Mary E Kroll
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Michael F G Murphy
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Charles A Stiller
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Chancellor Court, Oxford Business Park South, Oxford, OX4 2GX, UK
| | - Tim J Vincent
- Formerly of Childhood Cancer Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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15
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Analysis and radiation dose assessment of 222Rn in indoor air at schools: Case study at Ulju County, Korea. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Pirsaheb M, Najafi F, Haghparast A, Hemati L, Sharafi K, Kurd N. The Influence of Internal Wall and Floor Covering Materials and Ventilation Type on Indoor Radon and Thoron Levels in Hospitals of Kermanshah, Iran. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017; 18:e25292. [PMID: 28180013 PMCID: PMC5286217 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.25292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Building materials and the ventilation rate of a building are two main factors influencing indoor radon and thoron levels (two radioactive gases which have the most important role in human natural radiation exposure within dwellings). OBJECTIVES This analytical descriptive study was intended to determine the relationship between indoor radon and thoron concentrations and the building materials used in interior surfaces, as well as between those concentrations and the type of ventilation system (natural or artificial). MATERIALS AND METHODS 102 measurements of radon and thoron levels were taken from different parts of three hospital buildings in the city of Kermanshah in the west of Iran, using an RTM-1688-2 radon meter. Information on the type of building material and ventilation system in the measurement location was collected and then analyzed using Stata 8 software and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS In terms of radon and thoron emissions, travertine and plaster were found to be the most appropriate and inappropriate covering for walls, respectively. Furthermore, granite and travertine were discovered to be inappropriate materials for flooring, while plastic floor covering was found suitable. Natural ventilation performed better for radon, while artificial ventilation worked better for thoron. CONCLUSIONS Internal building materials and ventilation type affect indoor radon and thoron concentrations. Therefore, the use of proper materials and adequate ventilation can reduce the potential human exposure to radon and thoron. This is of utmost importance, particularly in buildings with a high density of residents, including hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghdad Pirsaheb
- Environmental Health Engineering Department, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IR Iran
| | - Farid Najafi
- Epidemiology Research Center (KEERC), Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IR Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Medical Physics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IR Iran
| | - Lida Hemati
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IR Iran
- Environmental Health Engineering Department, School of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Lida Hemati, Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9187240367; Fax: +98-8118380509, E-mail:
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IR Iran
| | - Nematullah Kurd
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, IR Iran
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17
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Cléro E, Marie L, Challeton-De Vathaire C, Laurier D, Rannou A. [Assessment of radon-induced health risk for occupants of a house built on uranium ore residue]. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2016; 64:237-46. [PMID: 27594696 DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2016.03.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the request of French public authorities, the Institute of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety has assessed the radiological situation of a house built on uranium ore residues in Haute-Vienne and the health risks induced from exposure to radon for all occupants. Classified as a lung carcinogen by the World Health Organization, radon is a proven cause of lung cancer in case of regular inhalation over a long period, and the risk increases with cumulative exposure. METHODS Radon exposure was reconstructed for various standard profiles of house occupancy. A risk model derived from a European epidemiological study was used to calculate the lifetime probability of death from lung cancer according to these standard profiles. RESULTS Risk assessment of the occupants of the house highlighted the following main findings. For a resident school child having been exposed to radon from birth to the age of 7, the lifetime relative risk (LRR) was estimated at 5. For last adult and young adult residents having lived more than 10years in the house, the probability of death from lung cancer was in the same order of magnitude as that of a regular cigarette smoker, with a LRR from 10 to 13 and a lifetime probability of death from lung cancer between 3 and 4%. If these individuals smoked regularly, in addition to being exposed to radon, this probability would be between 6 and 32% (supposing an additive or multiplicative interaction). CONCLUSION For former occupants (non-smokers) having been exposed 10years during childhood, the LRR was two-fold lower. For children having been in day care in the house, the increased probability of death from lung cancer was low, with a LRR lower than 2. Supposing, as in adults, that the risk decreases beyond 30years after the end of radon exposure, the increase was almost zero for former occupants exposed during childhood and during day care, with a LRR close to 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cléro
- Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France.
| | - L Marie
- Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - C Challeton-De Vathaire
- Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - D Laurier
- Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - A Rannou
- Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
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18
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Kalef-Ezra JA, Valakis ST. Direct total body 214Bi measurements and their implications for radon dose assessment. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2016; 36:518-531. [PMID: 27383369 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/36/3/518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct 214Bi bioassays may elucidate some of the uncertainties related to the relationship between the ambient concentration of radon and its short-lived decay products and the corresponding radiation burdens of individual human subjects. Sequential total body 214Bi activity measurements were carried out on a group of 67 healthy adult volunteers living in a region with moderate airborne radioactivity and conducting similar daily activities using a whole-body counter equipped with sixteen NaI(Tl) detectors. The total body 214Bi activity in the studied subjects was related to gender, fat-free mass and the season of the year. Approximately 95% and 92% of the 214Bi activity measured during the cold seasons of the year in men and women, respectively, was attributed to radon progeny inhalation. Following acute exposure to high airborne radioactivity over a short time period, the 214Bi enhancement in a volunteer decreased exponentially with time post-exposure, with a half-time of about 40 min. Taking into account the anticipated low 214Bi activity in the vast majority of individuals, and the uncertainties in 214Bi biodistribution even during counting, accurate measurements can be obtained using high-sensitivity whole-body counters with almost geometrical invariant counting efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Kalef-Ezra
- Medical Physics Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45.110 Ioannina, Greece
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19
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Huntington-Moskos L, Rayens MK, Wiggins A, Hahn EJ. Radon, Secondhand Smoke, and Children in the Home: Creating a Teachable Moment for Lung Cancer Prevention. Public Health Nurs 2016; 33:529-538. [PMID: 27443982 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study determined whether having minor children in the home was associated with the teachable moment (TM) constructs of lung cancer worry, perceived risk, health-related self-concept, and the novel construct of synergistic risk. DESIGN AND SAMPLE Secondary data analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of an intervention to reduce home exposure to radon and secondhand smoke (SHS). Quota sample of adults recruited at a Central Kentucky academic medical center (N = 556). MEASURES Survey items assessed lung cancer worry, perceived risk, synergistic risk perception, and health-related self-concept. RESULTS The presence of children in the home was not a significant predictor of any construct needed to create a TM for lung cancer prevention. Individuals with children living in the home were more likely to be younger, a racial/ethnic minority, a current smoker, and live with a smoker compared to those without children in the home. CONCLUSIONS There is a critical need to raise parental awareness on child health inequities related to the home exposure to radon and SHS. Public health nurses can create TMs for lung cancer prevention through greater awareness of the risks posed by radon and SHS along with promoting home testing and low-cost resources to reduce risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Kay Rayens
- BREATHE, University of Kentucky (UK), College of Nursing, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amanda Wiggins
- BREATHE, University of Kentucky (UK), College of Nursing, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Ellen J Hahn
- BREATHE, University of Kentucky (UK), College of Nursing, Lexington, Kentucky
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20
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Brudecki K, Li WB, Meisenberg O, Tschiersch J, Hoeschen C, Oeh U. Age-dependent inhalation doses to members of the public from indoor short-lived radon progeny. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2014; 53:535-49. [PMID: 24831865 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-014-0543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The main contribution of radiation dose to the human lungs from natural exposure originates from short-lived radon progeny. In the present work, the inhalation doses from indoor short-lived radon progeny, i.e., (218)Po, (214)Pb, (214)Bi, and (214)Po, to different age groups of members of the public were calculated. In the calculations, the age-dependent systemic biokinetic models of polonium, bismuth, and lead published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) were adopted. In addition, the ICRP human respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract models were applied to determine the deposition fractions in different regions of the lungs during inhalation and exhalation, and the absorption fractions of radon progeny in the alimentary tract. Based on the calculated contribution of each progeny to equivalent dose and effective dose, the dose conversion factor was estimated, taking into account the unattached fraction of aerosols, attached aerosols in the nucleation, accumulation and coarse modes, and the potential alpha energy concentration fraction in indoor air. It turned out that for each progeny, the equivalent doses to extrathoracic airways and the lungs are greater than those to other organs. The contribution of (214)Po to effective dose is much smaller compared to that of the other short-lived radon progeny and can thus be neglected in the dose assessment. In fact, 90 % of the effective dose from short-lived radon progeny arises from (214)Pb and (214)Bi, while the rest is from (218)Po. The dose conversion factors obtained in the present study are 17 and 18 mSv per working level month (WLM) for adult female and male, respectively. This compares to values ranging from 6 to 20 mSv WLM(-1) calculated by other investigators. The dose coefficients of each radon progeny calculated in the present study can be used to estimate the radiation doses for the population, especially for small children and women, in specific regions of the world exposed to radon progeny by measuring their concentrations, aerosol sizes, and unattached fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brudecki
- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit Medical Radiation Physics and Diagnostics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany,
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21
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Hauri D, Spycher B, Huss A, Zimmermann F, Grotzer M, von der Weid N, Weber D, Spoerri A, Kuehni CE, Röösli M. Domestic radon exposure and risk of childhood cancer: a prospective census-based cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:1239-1244. [PMID: 23942326 PMCID: PMC3801468 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1306500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast with established evidence linking high doses of ionizing radiation with childhood cancer, research on low-dose ionizing radiation and childhood cancer has produced inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between domestic radon exposure and childhood cancers, particularly leukemia and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. METHODS We conducted a nationwide census-based cohort study including all children < 16 years of age living in Switzerland on 5 December 2000, the date of the 2000 census. Follow-up lasted until the date of diagnosis, death, emigration, a child's 16th birthday, or 31 December 2008. Domestic radon levels were estimated for each individual home address using a model developed and validated based on approximately 45,000 measurements taken throughout Switzerland. Data were analyzed with Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for child age, child sex, birth order, parents' socioeconomic status, environmental gamma radiation, and period effects. RESULTS In total, 997 childhood cancer cases were included in the study. Compared with children exposed to a radon concentration below the median (< 77.7 Bq/m3), adjusted hazard ratios for children with exposure ≥ the 90th percentile (≥ 139.9 Bq/m3) were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.16) for all cancers, 0.95 (95% CI: 0.63, 1.43) for all leukemias, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.56, 1.43) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.61) for CNS tumors. CONCLUSIONS We did not find evidence that domestic radon exposure is associated with childhood cancer, despite relatively high radon levels in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Hauri
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
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22
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Laurent O, Ancelet S, Richardson DB, Hémon D, Ielsch G, Demoury C, Clavel J, Laurier D. Potential impacts of radon, terrestrial gamma and cosmic rays on childhood leukemia in France: a quantitative risk assessment. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2013; 52:195-209. [PMID: 23529777 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-013-0464-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous epidemiological studies and quantitative risk assessments (QRA) have suggested that natural background radiation may be a cause of childhood leukemia. The present work uses a QRA approach to predict the excess risk of childhood leukemia in France related to three components of natural radiation: radon, cosmic rays and terrestrial gamma rays, using excess relative and absolute risk models proposed by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Both models were developed from the Life Span Study (LSS) of Japanese A-bomb survivors. Previous risk assessments were extended by considering uncertainties in radiation-related leukemia risk model parameters as part of this process, within a Bayesian framework. Estimated red bone marrow doses cumulated during childhood by the average French child due to radon, terrestrial gamma and cosmic rays are 4.4, 7.5 and 4.3 mSv, respectively. The excess fractions of cases (expressed as percentages) associated with these sources of natural radiation are 20 % [95 % credible interval (CI) 0-68 %] and 4 % (95 % CI 0-11 %) under the excess relative and excess absolute risk models, respectively. The large CIs, as well as the different point estimates obtained under these two models, highlight the uncertainties in predictions of radiation-related childhood leukemia risks. These results are only valid provided that models developed from the LSS can be transferred to the population of French children and to chronic natural radiation exposures, and must be considered in view of the currently limited knowledge concerning other potential risk factors for childhood leukemia. Last, they emphasize the need for further epidemiological investigations of the effects of natural radiation on childhood leukemia to reduce uncertainties and help refine radiation protection standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Laurent
- Radiobiology and Epidemiology Department, IRSN, PRP-HOM, SRBE, LEPID, French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, Fontenay aux Roses, France.
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Abstract
Recent epidemiological studies of the association between lung cancer and exposure to radon and its decay products are reviewed. Particular emphasis is given to pooled case-control studies of residential exposures, and to cohorts of underground miners exposed to relatively low levels of radon. The residential and miner epidemiological studies provide consistent estimates of the risk of lung cancer, with significant associations observed at average annual concentrations of approximately 200 Bq/m³ and cumulative occupational levels of approximately 50 working level months (WLM), respectively. Based on recent results from combined analyses of epidemiological studies of miners, a lifetime excess absolute risk of 5 × 10⁻⁴ per WLM [14 × 10⁻⁵ per (mJh/m³)] should now be used as the nominal probability coefficient for radon- and radon-progeny-induced lung cancer, replacing the previous Publication 65 (ICRP, 1993) value of 2.8 × 10⁻⁴ per WLM [8 × 10⁻⁵ per (mJh/m³)]. Current knowledge of radon-associated risks for organs other than the lungs does not justify the selection of a detriment coefficient different from the fatality coefficient for radon-induced lung cancer. Publication 65 (ICRP, 2003) recommended that doses from radon and its progeny should be calculated using a dose conversion convention based on epidemiological data. It is now concluded that radon and its progeny should be treated in the same way as other radionuclides within the ICRP system of protection; that is, doses from radon and its progeny should be calculated using ICRP biokinetic and dosimetric models. ICRP will provide dose coefficients per unit exposure to radon and its progeny for different reference conditions of domestic and occupational exposure, with specified equilibrium factors and aerosol characteristics.
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Tong J, Qin L, Cao Y, Li J, Zhang J, Nie J, An Y. Environmental radon exposure and childhood leukemia. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2012; 15:332-347. [PMID: 22852813 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2012.689555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that animal and human epidemiological studies confirmed a link between radon exposure in homes and increased risk of lung cancer in general population, other types of cancers induced by radon, such as leukemia, have not been consistently demonstrated. The aim of this review was to summarize data published thus far from ecological and case-control studies in exposed populations, taking into account radon dose estimation and evidence of radon-induced genotoxicity, in an effort to clarify the correlation between home radon exposure and incidence of childhood leukemia. Among 12 ecological studies, 11 reported a positive association between radon levels and elevated frequency of childhood leukemia, with 8 being significant. In conjunction with ecological studies, several case-control studies on indoor radon exposure and childhood leukemia were examined, and most investigations indicated a weak association with only a few showing significance. A major source of uncertainty in radon risk assessment is radon dose estimate. Methods for radon exposure measurement in homes of children are one of the factors that affect the risk estimates in a case-control study. The effects of radon-induced genetic damage were studied both in vitro and in vivo using genetic endpoints including chromosomal aberration (CA), micronuclei (MN) formation, gene mutation, and deletions and insertions. By applying a meta-analysis, an increased risk of childhood leukemia induced by indoor radon exposure was noted for overall leukemia and for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Data thus indicated an association between environmental radon exposure and elevated leukemia incidence, but more evidence is required in both human investigations and animal mechanistic research before this assumption may be confirmed with certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tong
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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25
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Is there any interaction between domestic radon exposure and air pollution from traffic in relation to childhood leukemia risk? Cancer Causes Control 2010; 21:1961-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s10552-010-9608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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26
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Little MP, Wakeford R, Kendall GM. Updated estimates of the proportion of childhood leukaemia incidence in Great Britain that may be caused by natural background ionising radiation. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2009; 29:467-82. [PMID: 19923647 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/29/4/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The aetiology of childhood leukaemia remains generally unknown, although exposure to moderate and high levels of ionising radiation, such as was experienced during the atomic bombings of Japan or from radiotherapy, is an established cause. Risk models based primarily upon studies of the Japanese A-bomb survivors imply that low-level exposure to ionising radiation, including to ubiquitous natural background radiation, also raises the risk of childhood leukaemia. In a recent paper (Wakeford et al 2009 Leukaemia 23 770-6) we estimated the proportion of childhood leukaemia incidence in Great Britain attributable to natural background radiation to be about 20%. In this paper we employ the two sets of published leukaemia risk models used previously, but use recently published revised estimates of natural background radiation doses received by the red bone marrow of British children to update the previous results. Using the newer dosimetry we calculate that the best estimate of the proportion of cases of childhood leukaemia in Great Britain predicted to be attributable to this source of exposure is 15-20%, although the uncertainty associated with certain stages in the calculation (e.g. the nature of the transfer of risk between populations and the pertinent dose received from naturally occurring alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides) is significant. The slightly lower attributable proportions compared with those previously derived by Wakeford et al (Leukaemia 2009 23 770-6) are largely due to the lower doses (and in particular lower high LET doses) for the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Little
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College, London W2 1PG, UK.
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27
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Harley NH, Robbins ES. Radon and leukemia in the Danish study: another source of dose. HEALTH PHYSICS 2009; 97:343-347. [PMID: 19741363 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181ad8018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An epidemiologic study of childhood leukemia in Denmark (2,400 cases; 6,697 controls) from 1968 to 1994 suggested a weak, but statistically significant, association of residential radon exposure and acute childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The Danish study estimated a relative risk (RR) = 1.56 (95% CI, 1.05-2.30) for a cumulative exposure of 1,000 Bq m-3 y. For an exposure duration of 10 y their RR corresponds to a radon concentration of 100 Bq m-3. There are two dose pathways of interest where alpha particles could damage potential stem cells for ALL. One is the alpha dose to bone marrow, and two is the dose to bronchial mucosa where an abundance of circulating lymphocytes is found. Compared with an exposure of about 1 mSv y-1 from natural external background, radon and decay products contribute an additional 10 to 60% to the bone marrow equivalent dose. The other pathway for exposure of T (or B) lymphocytes is within the tracheobronchial epithelium (BE). Inhaled radon decay products deposit on the relatively small area of airway surfaces and deliver a significant dose to the nearby basal or mucous cells implicated in human lung cancer. Lymphocytes are co-located with basal cells and are half as abundant. Using a 10-y exposure to 100 Bq m-3, our dose estimates suggest that the equivalent dose to these lymphocytes could approach 1 Sv. The relatively high dose estimate to lymphocytes circulating through the BE, potential precursor cells for ALL, provides a dose pathway for an association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi H Harley
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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28
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Kendall GM, Fell TP, Harrison JD. Dose to red bone marrow of infants, children and adults from radiation of natural origin. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2009; 29:123-138. [PMID: 19454799 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/29/2/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Natural radiation sources contribute much the largest part of the radiation exposure of the average person. This paper examines doses from natural radiation to the red bone marrow, the tissue in which leukaemia is considered to originate, with particular emphasis on doses to children. The most significant contributions are from x-rays and gamma rays, radionuclides in food and inhalation of isotopes of radon and their decay products. External radiation sources and radionuclides other than radon dominate marrow doses at all ages. The variation with age of the various components of marrow dose is considered, including doses received in utero and in each year up to the age of 15. Doses in utero include contributions resulting from the ingestion of radionuclides by the mother and placental transfer to the foetus. Postnatal doses include those from radionuclides in breast-milk and from radionuclides ingested in other foods. Doses are somewhat higher in the first year of life and there is a general slow decline from the second year of life onwards. The low linear energy transfer (LET) component of absorbed dose to the red bone marrow is much larger than the high LET component. However, because of the higher radiation weighting factor for the latter it contributes about 40% of the equivalent dose incurred up to the age of 15.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Kendall
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, University of Oxford, 57 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HJ, UK.
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29
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The proportion of childhood leukaemia incidence in Great Britain that may be caused by natural background ionizing radiation. Leukemia 2009; 23:770-6. [PMID: 19151785 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2008.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Raaschou-Nielsen O. Indoor radon and childhood leukaemia. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2008; 132:175-181. [PMID: 19010936 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncn288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper summarises the epidemiological literature on domestic exposure to radon and risk for childhood leukaemia. The results of 12 ecological studies show a consistent pattern of higher incidence and mortality rates for childhood leukaemia in areas with higher average indoor radon concentrations. Although the results of such studies are useful to generate hypotheses, they must be interpreted with caution, as the data were aggregated and analysed for geographical areas and not for individuals. The seven available case-control studies of childhood leukaemia with measurement of radon concentrations in the residences of cases and controls gave mixed results, however, with some indication of a weak (relative risk < 2) association with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The epidemiological evidence to date suggests that an association between indoor exposure to radon and childhood leukaemia might exist, but is weak. More case-control studies are needed, with sufficient statistical power to detect weak associations and based on designs and methods that minimise misclassification of exposure and provide a high participation rate and low potential selection bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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31
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Kendall GM, Phipps AW. Effective and organ doses from thoron decay products at different ages. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2007; 27:427-435. [PMID: 18268373 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/27/4/003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The dosimetry of radon-220, often known as thoron, and its decay products has received less attention than has that of radon-222. Dose coefficients used by international bodies such as UNSCEAR and ICRP and by the UK's former National Radiological Protection Board are based on calculations from the 1980s. We present calculations for thoron decay products using the most recent ICRP models. These indicate that the effective dose is dominated by the doses to lung and that, under the present models, these doses are somewhat higher than under the previous consensus. Conversely, the present models give doses to organs outside the respiratory tract that are somewhat lower than those previously calculated. Dose coefficients for children are somewhat higher than those for adults. However, breathing rates for children are lower than those for adults and there are no great differences in annual doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Kendall
- Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK.
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Cech I, Burau KD, Walston J. Spatial distribution of orofacial cleft defect births in Harris County, Texas, 1990 to 1994, and historical evidence for the presence of low-level radioactivity in tap water. South Med J 2007; 100:560-9. [PMID: 17591309 DOI: 10.1097/smj.0b013e31802f7d38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While both ionizing and nonionizing radiation are known to impair human reproductive capacity, the role of low-level domestic radiation continues to be an unsettled issue. OBJECTIVES We examined the geostatistical distribution (residential longitude and latitude) of orofacial cleft birth cases adjusted for the underlying population distribution. Furthermore, we examined the cleft birth rates enumerated by zip codes for possible associations with levels of radium and radon in drinking water. METHODS Cleft births and unaffected live births in Harris County, Texas, from 1990 to 1994, were geocoded by residential addresses and tested for spatial clusters using the space-time clustering program SaTScan. Historical sample data on local variations in water quality facilitated the assessment of the association of orofacial cleft defect births with low-level radiation exposure. RESULTS A cluster of significantly greater than expected numbers of cleft defect births was identified in northwest Harris County, (relative risk = 3.0, P = 0.043), where the presence of elevated levels of radium (> 3 pCi/L) and radon (> 300 pCi/L) in the tap water has been known since the 1980s. CONCLUSIONS Despite the ecological design of the study, lacking individual exposure measurements for cleft birth residences, there was strong suggestive evidence of an association between elevated radiation levels in tap water and elevated cleft birth prevalence rates by zip codes. Attention of physicians is invited to environmental causes as potential risk factors for orofacial cleft. This would aid in genetic counseling and the development of future preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Cech
- University of Texas at Houston, Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Kendall GM, Hughes JS, Oatway WB, Jones AL. Variations in radiation exposures of adults and children in the UK. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2006; 26:257-76. [PMID: 16926469 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/26/3/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Members of the UK population receive radiation doses from a number of sources including cosmic radiation, from uranium, thorium and their decay products, particularly radon, and from medical sources. On average, members of the UK population receive an effective dose of about 200 mSv over their lifetime. This results in a risk of fatal cancer of about 1%. However, the radiation dose is not the same to all individuals. Some components give doses that vary systematically from one region to another. Doses may also vary greatly from one individual to another. The rate at which the dose is accumulated may vary as the individual ages. Different organs and tissues do not necessarily receive the same dose. This paper discusses these factors and attempts to quantify them. Cosmic rays deliver doses which vary little across the body or between individuals. Terrestrial gamma rays also deliver more or less uniform whole-body doses, but the difference between individuals can be greater. Radionuclides in food deliver doses which vary both across the body and between individuals. These variations are even more marked in the case of doses from radon and from medical exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Kendall
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, University of Oxford, 57 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HJ, UK.
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