Uncertainties in assessing health risks from natural radiation, including radon

摘要

Epidemiological studies of human health and natural radiation may provide a direct way of examining the validity at low doses of risk estimates that are based on groups with generally higher radiation doses. However, the interpretation of studies of natural radiation can be affected by the potential for bias or confounding, and by low statistical power. This paper reviews the uncertainties that can arise in these studies. In particular, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of study, and the effects of errors in the exposure estimates are considered. Steps that might be taken to improve exposure assessment and to increase statistical power are outlined in the context of ongoing research on residential radon and lung cancer.