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Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association

American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs

Arch Intern Med. 1991;151(4):674-677.

Abstract
The consensus of scientists is that exposure to radon is hazardous, but disagreement exists about the effects of lower radon concentrations. Studies of underground miners have indicated that the risk of lung cancer increases in proportion to the intensity and duration of exposure to radon, and a recent authoritative report (BEIR IV) has concluded that estimates based on those studies are appropriate for estimating risks for occupants of homes. The BEIR IV report concluded that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer associated with radon. Average radon levels in US homes range from 0.055 to 0.148 Bq/L (1.5 to 4 pCI/L), depending on the circumstances of measurement. Few studies have investigated health outcomes in occupants of homes with high radon levels. In advising patients about reducing the risks associated with radon, physicians should consider the costs, as well as the benefits, of remedial actions, and they should emphasize that, by far, the best way to avoid lung cancer is to stop smoking.

(Arch Intern Med. 1991;151:674-677)

Author Affiliations
From the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, Chicago, Ill.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication October 12, 1990.

Presented as Report A of the Council on Scientific Affairs to the American Medical Association House of Delegates, Chicago, Ill, June 25, 1990.

This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. This report reflects the views of scientific literature as of April 1990.

Reprint requests to Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (Dr Hendee).

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