Lowering The UK Domestic Radon Action Level to reduce Radiation- Induced Lung Cancer in General Population – When And Where Is It Cost Effective?

摘要

Case studies have shown that radon gas can be present within domestic properties at sufficiently highlevels that it can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer in occupants. Recently, Darby et al. (2006) have shownthat this risk exists at radon concentrations as low as 100 Bq·m~(-3), which is below the UK domestic Action Level of200 Bq·m~(-3). As a result, there have been suggestions that national domestic Action Levels should be reduced. Thispaper considers the benefits and costs of the domestic radon remediation programmes in the UK, when a range ofAction Levels from 125 Bq·m~(-3) to 600 Bq·m~(-3) are applied. The variations of total cost, cost-effectiveness, dosereduction and lung cancers saved for each proposed action level, and the proportion of houses over the proposedaction level, were estimated. The study shows that, for an Action Level above 200 Bq·m~(-3), a completed domesticradon remediation programme in Northamptonshire, where 6.3% of existing houses have initial radon levels over200 Bq·m~(-3), will cost less and will target those most at risk, but will be less cost effective. In addition, a higher ActionLevel leaves a higher residual dose and greater risk of cancer in the population living in unremediated homes.Reducing the Action Level below 200 Bq·m~(-3) will prevent more cancers, but at significantly higher cost. It will beless cost-effective, because a significant number of houses with moderate radon levels will be remediated with modesthealth benefit to occupants. The study suggests that a completed radon remediation programme is most cost-effectivewith an action level of around 250 to 300 Bq·m~(-3). The finding appears to be independent of the percentage of housesover the Action Level. This has clear implications for future health policy.