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Jimoh KO, Ademola JA. Radon level in groundwater in Kwara State, Nigeria, and the potential radiation dose due to intake. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023; 199:2293-2302. [PMID: 37609949 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Radon in groundwater for domestic purposes contributes to indoor radon and at high concentration levels could be hazardous to inhabitants. Rn-222 concentrations in 101 groundwater samples from some Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State, Nigeria, were determined by AlphaGUARD portable radon monitor. The mean activity concentrations for the LGAs varied from 4.28 ± 2.29 to 14.59 ± 8.92 Bq.l-1. Radon concentrations were <100 Bq.l-1 guidance level recommended by CEC and WHO. Eighteen percent exceeded the recommended 11.1 Bq.l-1 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. All the samples exceeded the 0.1 Bq.l-1 Maximum Permitted Level of the Standard Organization of Nigeria for radionuclide contaminant. Mean effective dose from ingestion was estimated for adults, children and infants. Inhalation dose was also estimated. The mean annual effective doses in five LGAs were higher than the 0.1 mSv reference dose level of committed effective dose from the intake of drinking water for 1 y as recommended by the ICRP. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir O Jimoh
- Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Janet A Ademola
- Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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2
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Janiak MK, Waligórski MPR. Can Low-Level Ionizing Radiation Do Us Any Harm? Dose Response 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/15593258221148013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current system of radiological protection relies on the linear no-threshold (LNT) hypothesis of cancer risk due to humans being exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Under this tenet, effects of low doses (i.e. of those not exceeding 100 mGy or 0.1 mGy/min. of X- or γ-rays for acute and chronic exposures, respectively) are evaluated by downward linear extrapolation from regions of higher doses and dose rates where harmful effects are actually observed. However, evidence accumulated over many years clearly indicates that exposure of humans to low doses of radiation does not cause any harm and often promotes health. In this review, we discuss results of some epidemiological analyses, clinical trials and controlled experimental animal studies. Epidemiological data indicate the presence of a threshold and departure from linearity at the lowest dose ranges. Experimental studies clearly demonstrate the qualitative difference between biological mechanisms and effects at low and at higher doses of IR. We also discuss the genesis and the likely reasons for the persistence of the LNT tenet, despite its scientific implausibility and deleterious social consequences. It is high time to replace the LNT paradigm by a scientifically based dose-effect relationship where realistic quantitative hormetic or threshold models are exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek K. Janiak
- Professor Emeritus of Medical Sciences, a retiree from the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michael P. R. Waligórski
- Centre of Oncology, Kraków Division and Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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3
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Bulgakova O, Kussainova A, Kakabayev A, Aripova A, Baikenova G, Izzotti A, Bersimbaev R. The level of free-circulating mtDNA in patients with radon-induced lung cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112215. [PMID: 34656631 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE According to the World Health Organization, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Cell free circulating mitochondrial DNA (cf mtDNA) have been used not only as a biomarker of carcinogenesis but also as a biomarker of exposure to radiation, but nothing is known about changes in the level of cf mtDNA following radon exposure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the cf mtDNA copy number as a biomarker of the response to radon exposure in lung cancer pathogenesis. METHODS 207 subjects were examined including 41 radon-exposed lung cancer patients, 40 lung cancer patients without radon exposure and 126 healthy controls exposed/not exposed to high level of radon. Total cell free circulating DNA from blood samples was extracted and used to detect cell free circulating mitochondrial DNA copy number by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Our data indicate that the level of cf mtDNA in the radon-induced lung cancer patients was significantly higher than that of the other study participants. There was a significant difference in the level of cf mtDNA in the blood plasma of healthy volunteers exposed and not exposed to high doses of radon. Moreover, in healthy volunteers living in areas with high radon levels, the mtDNA copy number was higher than that in patients with lung cancer who were not exposed to high doses of radon. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence for a possible role of cf mtDNA as a promising biomarker of lung cancer induced by exposure to high dose of radon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bulgakova
- L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Institute of Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Assiya Kussainova
- L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Institute of Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Akmaral Aripova
- L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Institute of Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulim Baikenova
- Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau State University, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico SanMartino, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Rakhmetkazhi Bersimbaev
- L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Institute of Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
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4
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Exploration and Investigation of High-Level Radon Medicinal Springs in the Crystalline Units: Lugicum. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Radioactive (radon) groundwaters are highly valued among mineral waters for their healing effects. Between 2005 and 2015, a large exploratory event for prospecting and documenting radon water springs took place in the crystalline area of Lugicum (Bohemian Massif) under Czech–Polish cooperation. For these purposes, an exploration method was developed as a combination of GIS (ArcMap 9.1–10.2) area preparation followed by field radiohydrogeochemical mapping at a scale of 1:10,000. The gamma indication method was optimized and used for the selection of water samples. A total of 2354 water sources were examined. Radon activity concentrations were measured at 660 sources found throughout the territory. Of those, 111 sources exhibited 222Rn activity above 1500 Bq/L and, thus, were categorized as sources of mineral radioactive waters according to Czech legislation. The highest 222Rn activity was found in the Michael spring near Nové Město pod Smrkem (up to 6237 Bq/L 222Rn). Many discovered sources with high balneological potential are significant and, therefore, are quickly becoming popular among the public.
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5
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Abergel R, Aris J, Bolch WE, Dewji SA, Golden A, Hooper DA, Margot D, Menker CG, Paunesku T, Schaue D, Woloschak GE. The enduring legacy of Marie Curie: impacts of radium in 21st century radiological and medical sciences. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:267-275. [PMID: 35030065 PMCID: PMC9723808 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2027542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review is focused on radium and radionuclides in its decay chain in honor of Marie Curie, who discovered this element. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conglomerated current knowledge regarding radium and its history predating our present understanding of this radionuclide. RESULTS An overview of the properties of radium and its dose assessment is shown followed by discussions about both the negative detrimental and positive therapeutic applications of radium with this history and its evolution reflecting current innovations in medical science. CONCLUSIONS We hope to remind all those who are interested in the progress of science about the vagaries of the process of scientific discovery. In addition, we raise the interesting question of whether Marie Curie's initial success was in part possible due to her tight alignment with her husband Pierre Curie who pushed the work along.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Abergel
- Nuclear Engineering Department, University of California, Berkeley; Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - John Aris
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Wesley E. Bolch
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Shaheen A. Dewji
- Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics Programs, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashley Golden
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - David A. Hooper
- Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dmitri Margot
- Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics Programs, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carly G. Menker
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Radiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tatjana Paunesku
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Radiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dörthe Schaue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gayle E. Woloschak
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Radiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Corresponding Author:
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Lopes SI, Nunes LJR, Curado A. Designing an Indoor Radon Risk Exposure Indicator (IRREI): An Evaluation Tool for Risk Management and Communication in the IoT Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7907. [PMID: 34360202 PMCID: PMC8345734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The explosive data growth in the current information age requires consistent new methodologies harmonized with the new IoT era for data analysis in a space-time context. Moreover, intuitive data visualization is a central feature in exploring, interpreting, and extracting specific insights for subsequent numerical data representation. This integrated process is normally based on the definition of relevant metrics and specific performance indicators, both computed upon continuous real-time data, considering the specificities of a particular application case for data validation. This article presents an IoT-oriented evaluation tool for Radon Risk Management (RRM), based on the design of a simple and intuitive Indoor Radon Risk Exposure Indicator (IRREI), specifically tailored to be used as a decision-making aid tool for building owners, building designers, and buildings managers, or simply as an alert flag for the problem awareness of ordinary citizens. The proposed methodology was designed for graphic representation aligned with the requirements of the current IoT age, i.e., the methodology is robust enough for continuous data collection with specific Spatio-temporal attributes and, therefore, a set of adequate Radon risk-related metrics can be extracted and proposed. Metrics are summarized considering the application case, taken as a case study for data validation, by including relevant variables to frame the study, such as the regulatory International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) dosimetric limits, building occupancy (spatial dimension), and occupants' exposure periods (temporal dimension). This work has the following main contributions: (1) providing a historical perspective regarding RRM indicator evolution along time; (2) outlining both the formulation and the validation of the proposed IRREI indicator; (3) implementing an IoT-oriented methodology for an RRM indicator; and (4) a discussion on Radon risk public perception, undertaken based on the results obtained after assessment of the IRREI indicator by applying a screening questionnaire with a total of 873 valid answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Ivan Lopes
- ADiT-Lab, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua da Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Alvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- IT—Instituto de Telecomunicações, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Leonel J. R. Nunes
- PROMETHEUS, Unidade de Investigação em Materiais, Energia e Ambiente para a Sustentabilidade, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua da Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Alvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
| | - António Curado
- PROMETHEUS, Unidade de Investigação em Materiais, Energia e Ambiente para a Sustentabilidade, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua da Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Alvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
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7
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Pylak M, Fornalski KW, Reszczyńska J, Kukulski P, Waligórski MPR, Dobrzyński L. Analysis of Indoor Radon Data Using Bayesian, Random Binning, and Maximum Entropy Methods. Dose Response 2021; 19:15593258211009337. [PMID: 34035781 PMCID: PMC8132103 DOI: 10.1177/15593258211009337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three statistical methods: Bayesian, randomized data binning and Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) are described and applied in the analysis of US radon data taken from the US registry. Two confounding factors-elevation of inhabited dwellings, and UVB (ultra-violet B) radiation exposure-were considered to be most correlated with the frequency of lung cancer occurrence. MEM was found to be particularly useful in extracting meaningful results from epidemiology data containing such confounding factors. In model testing, MEM proved to be more effective than the least-squares method (even via Bayesian analysis) or multi-parameter analysis, routinely applied in epidemiology. Our analysis of the available residential radon epidemiology data consistently demonstrates that the relative number of lung cancers decreases with increasing radon concentrations up to about 200 Bq/m3, also decreasing with increasing altitude at which inhabitants live. Correlation between UVB intensity and lung cancer has also been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Pylak
- National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Otwock-Świerk, Poland.,Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IF PAN), Warszawa, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Reszczyńska
- National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Otwock-Świerk, Poland.,Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw (WUM), Warszawa, Poland
| | - Piotr Kukulski
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P R Waligórski
- Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, Kraków, Poland
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8
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Cheng ES, Egger S, Hughes S, Weber M, Steinberg J, Rahman B, Worth H, Ruano-Ravina A, Rawstorne P, Yu XQ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of residential radon and lung cancer in never-smokers. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/159/200230. [PMID: 33536262 PMCID: PMC9488946 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0230-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, radon is the leading risk factor for lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS). In this study, we systematically reviewed and meta-analysed the evidence of the risk of LCINS associated with residential radon exposure. Methods Medline and Embase databases were searched using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies published from 1 January 1990 to 5 March 2020 focused on never-smokers. We identified four pooled collaborative studies (incorporating data from 24 case–control studies), one case–control study and one cohort study for systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed on the results of the four pooled studies due to different measures of effect and outcome reported in the cohort study and insufficient information reported for the case–control study. In a post hoc analysis, the corresponding risk for ever-smokers was also examined. Results Risk estimates of lung cancer from residential radon exposure were pooled in the meta-analysis for 2341 never-smoker cases, 8967 never-smoker controls, 9937 ever-smoker cases and 12 463 ever-smoker controls. Adjusted excess relative risks (aERRs) per 100 Bq·m−3 of radon level were 0.15 (95% CI 0.06–0.25) for never-smokers and 0.09 (95% CI 0.03–0.16) for ever-smokers, and the difference between them was statistically insignificant (p=0.32). The aERR per 100 Bq·m−3was higher for men (0.46; 95% CI 0.15–0.76) than for women (0.09; 95% CI −0.02–0.20) among never-smokers (p=0.027). Conclusion This study provided quantified risk estimates for lung cancer from residential radon exposure among both never-smokers and ever-smokers. Among never-smokers in radon-prone areas, men were at higher risk of lung cancer than women. Globally, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in never-smokers. Yet its quantified link with lung cancer risk among never-smokers is not known. This study computes the risk estimate of lung cancer from residential radon exposure among never-smokers.https://bit.ly/32frCbq
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvin S Cheng
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia .,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sam Egger
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Suzanne Hughes
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marianne Weber
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julia Steinberg
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bayzidur Rahman
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Heather Worth
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Dept of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP, Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública), Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Patrick Rawstorne
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Equal contribution as last author
| | - Xue Qin Yu
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Equal contribution as last author
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Loffredo F, Savino F, Amato R, Irollo A, Gargiulo F, Sabatino G, Serra M, Quarto M. Indoor Radon Concentration and Risk Assessment in 27 Districts of a Public Healthcare Company in Naples, South Italy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:178. [PMID: 33668261 PMCID: PMC7996231 DOI: 10.3390/life11030178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Radon is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the general population. It is known that exposure to radon is a risk factor for the onset of lung cancer. In this study, the results of a radon survey conducted in all districts of a Public Healthcare in Italy, are reported. Measurements of indoor radon were performed using nuclear track detectors, CR-39. The entire survey was conducted according to a well-established quality assurance program. The annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were also calculated. Results show that the radon concentrations varied from 7 ± 1 Bq/m3 and 5148 ± 772 Bq/m3, with a geometric mean of 67 Bq/m3 and geometric standard deviation of 2.5. The annual effective dose to workers was found to be 1.6 mSv/y and comparable with the worldwide average. In Italy, following the transposition of the European Directive 59/2013, great attention was paid to the radon risk in workplaces. The interest of the workers of the monitored sites was very high and this, certainly contributed to the high return rate of the detectors after exposure and therefore, to the presence of few missing data. Although it was not possible to study the factors affecting radon concentrations, certainly the main advantage of this study is that it was the first in which an entire public health company was monitored in regards to all the premises on the underground and ground floor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Loffredo
- Advanced Biomedical Science Department, University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Roberto Amato
- Occupational Health Service, Public Healthcare “Napoli 3”, 34102 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alfredo Irollo
- Protection and Prevention Service, Public Healthcare “Napoli 3”, 34102 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Giuseppe Sabatino
- Advanced Metrological and Technological Services (CeSMA), University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marcello Serra
- Advanced Biomedical Science Department, University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Quarto
- Advanced Biomedical Science Department, University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
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10
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Ponciano-Rodríguez G, Gaso MI, Armienta MA, Trueta C, Morales I, Alfaro R, Segovia N. Indoor radon exposure and excess of lung cancer mortality: the case of Mexico-an ecological study. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:221-234. [PMID: 32839955 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radon is a radioactive gas that can migrate from soils and rocks and accumulate in indoor areas such as dwellings and buildings. Many studies have shown a strong association between the exposure to radon, and its decay products, and lung cancer (LC), particularly in miners. In Mexico, according to published surveys, there is evidence of radon exposure in large groups of the population, nevertheless, only few attention has been paid to its association as a risk factor for LC. The aim of this ecological study is to evaluate the excess risk of lung cancer mortality in Mexico due to indoor radon exposure. Mean radon levels per state of the Country were obtained from different publications and lung cancer mortality was obtained from the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics for the period 2001-2013. A model proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to estimate the annual excess risk of LC mortality (per 105 inhabitants) per dose unit of radon was used. The average indoor radon concentrations found rank from 51 to 1863 Bq m-3, the higher average dose exposure found was 3.13 mSv year-1 in the north of the country (Chihuahua) and the mortality excess of LC cases found in the country was 10 ± 1.5 (range 1-235 deaths) per 105 inhabitants. The highest values were found mainly in the Northern part of the country, where numerous uranium deposits are found, followed by Mexico City, the most crowded and most air polluted area in the country. A positive correlation (r = 0.98 p < 0.0001) was found between the excess of LC cases and the dose of radon exposure. Although the excess risk of LC mortality associated with indoor radon found in this study was relatively low, further studies are needed in order to accurately establish its magnitude in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ponciano-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Salud Publica, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico, D.F., Mexico.
| | - M I Gaso
- ININ, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, 52750, Ocoyoacac, Edo. México, Mexico
| | - M A Armienta
- IGFUNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
| | - C Trueta
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
| | - I Morales
- IGFUNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
| | - R Alfaro
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico
| | - N Segovia
- SNI, Sistema Nacional de Investigadores, Mexico, Mexico
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11
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Puukila S, Haigh P, Johnston A, Boreham DR, Hooker AM, Dixon DL. A radon chamber specifically designed for environmentally relevant exposures of small animals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 220-221:106295. [PMID: 32560885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106295] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to facilitate direct testing of the biological effects of radon, we designed and constructed a 3.1 m3 radon chamber specifically for radon exposures to small animals. The chamber is designed to operate as a sealed enclosure with a controlled atmosphere containing a known concentration of radon and its radioactive decay products. Sensors for air flow rate, temperature, humidity, HEPA filter and differential pressure ensure an optimal environment for exposure subjects. The radon gas is supplied to the chamber from a generator containing Radium-226 in a dilute acid solution. Air containing radon can be pumped continuously using a constant flow rate to maintain a steady state supply. The source flow rate was partitioned to achieve a chamber concentration at 200 Bq/m3 (R2 = 0.9341) or 1000 Bq/m3 (R2 = 0.9715). Small particles are injected into the re-circulating air stream via a particle generator to provide condensation nuclei for attachment of radon decay products as they form in the chamber atmosphere. Particles measured at 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm and 5.0 μm averaged concentrations 5.7 ± 0.6 × 107/m3, 2.5 ± 0.7 × 107/m3 and 2.3 ± 2.4 × 103/m3, respectively. A desired Equilibrium Factor can easily be achieved by varying the air circulation rate through the chamber. The Equilibrium Factor ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 at 200 Bq/m3 and 0.5 to0.6 at 1000 Bq/m3. The chamber was designed to conduct short term exposures to assess the acute cellular changes induced by radon exposure. To our knowledge, this is currently the only radon chamber designed specifically to investigate environmentally relevant exposure time and doses of radon gas and decay products in small animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Puukila
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.
| | - Peter Haigh
- Environment Protection Authority - Retired, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew Johnston
- Environment Protection Authority - Retired, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada; Bruce Power, Tiverton, ON, Canada
| | - Antony M Hooker
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Centre for Radiation Research Education and Innovation, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dani-Louise Dixon
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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13
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Suárez Fernández JP. The downfall of the linear non-threshold model. Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol 2020; 39:303-315. [PMID: 32693978 DOI: 10.1016/j.remn.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The linear non-threshold model (LNTM) is a theoretical dose-response function as a result of extrapolating the late effects of high-dose exposure to ionizing radiation to the low-dose range, but there is great uncertainty about its validity. The acceptance of LNTM as the dominant probabilistic model have survived to the present day and it is actually the cornerstone of current radiation protection policies. In the last decades, advances in molecular and evolutive biology, cancer immunology, and many epidemiological and animal studies have cast serious doubts about the reliability of the NLTM, as well as suggesting alternative models, like the hormetic theory. Considering the given evidences, a discussion between the involved scientific societies and the regulatory commissions is promtly required in order to to reach a redefiniton of theradiation protection basis, as it would be specially crucial in the medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Suárez Fernández
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
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14
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Idavain J, Lang K, Tomasova J, Lang A, Orru H. Cancer Incidence Trends in the Oil Shale Industrial Region in Estonia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3833. [PMID: 32481656 PMCID: PMC7312168 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Large oil shale resources are found in Eastern Estonia, where the mineral resource is mined, excavated, and used for electricity generation and shale oil extraction. During industrial activities in the last 100 years, pollutants have been emitted in large amounts, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. The current study aims to analyse time trends in cancer incidence in the oil shale industry-affected areas and compare them with overall cancer incidence rates and trends in Estonia. We analysed Estonian Cancer Registry data on selected cancer sites that have been previously indicated to have relationships with industrial activities like oil shale extraction. We included lung cancer, kidney cancer, urinary bladder cancer, leukaemia, breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A statistically significantly higher lung cancer age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was found during the study period (1992-2015) only in males in the oil shale areas as compared to males in Estonia overall: 133.6 and 95.5 per 100,000, respectively. However, there appeared to be a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the lung cancer ASIR in males in the oil shale areas (overall decrease 28.9%), whereas at the same time, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in non-oil shale areas (13.3%) and in Estonia overall (1.5%). Other cancer sites did not show higher ASIRs in the oil shale industrial areas compared to other areas in Estonia. Possible explanations could be improved environmental quality, socio-economic factors, and other morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Idavain
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.L.); (H.O.)
- Department of Health Statistics, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Katrin Lang
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.L.); (H.O.)
| | - Jelena Tomasova
- Estonian Health Board, Paldiski mnt 81, 10617 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Aavo Lang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Hans Orru
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.L.); (H.O.)
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, SE-901 87 Umea, Sweden
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15
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Kwan WS, Nikezic D, Roy VAL, Yu KN. Multiple Stressor Effects of Radon and Phthalates in Children: Background Information and Future Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2898. [PMID: 32331399 PMCID: PMC7215282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present paper reviews available background information for studying multiple stressor effects of radon (222Rn) and phthalates in children and provides insights on future directions. In realistic situations, living organisms are collectively subjected to many environmental stressors, with the resultant effects being referred to as multiple stressor effects. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancers. On the other hand, phthalates are semi-volatile organic compounds widely applied as plasticizers to provide flexibility to plastic in consumer products. Links of phthalates to various health effects have been reported, including allergy and asthma. In the present review, the focus on indoor contaminants was due to their higher concentrations and to the higher indoor occupancy factor, while the focus on the pediatric population was due to their inherent sensitivity and their spending more time close to the floor. Two main future directions in studying multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children were proposed. The first one was on computational modeling and micro-dosimetric studies, and the second one was on biological studies. In particular, dose-response relationship and effect-specific models for combined exposures to radon and phthalates would be necessary. The ideas and methodology behind such proposed research work are also applicable to studies on multiple stressor effects of collective exposures to other significant airborne contaminants, and to population groups other than children.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. S. Kwan
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - D. Nikezic
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića 9, RS-36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia;
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovica 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - K. N. Yu
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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16
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Li C, Wang C, Yu J, Fan Y, Liu D, Zhou W, Shi T. Residential Radon and Histological Types of Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Case‒Control Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041457. [PMID: 32102460 PMCID: PMC7068370 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies on residential radon exposure and the risk of histological types of lung cancer have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a meta-analysis on this topic and updated previous related meta-analyses. We searched the databases of Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure for papers published up to 13 November 2018. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed and random effects models. Subgroup and dose‒response analyses were also conducted. This study was registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42019127761). A total of 28 studies, which included 13,748 lung cancer cases and 23,112 controls, were used for this meta-analysis. The pooled OR indicated that the highest residential radon exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.26–1.73). All histological types of lung cancer were associated with residential radon. Strongest association with small-cell lung carcinoma (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.52–2.71) was found, followed by adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.31–1.91), other histological types (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.11–2.15) and squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18–1.74). With increasing residential radon levels per 100 Bq/m3, the risk of lung cancer, small-cell lung carcinoma and adenocarcinoma increased by 11%, 19% and 13%, respectively. This meta-analysis provides new evidence for a potential relationship between residential radon and all histological types of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Zhuodaoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Donghu Road 115, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Donghu Road 115, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Donghu Road 115, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Yongsheng Fan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Donghu Road 115, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Duanya Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Donghu Road 115, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Wenshan Zhou
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Zhuodaoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China;
- Correspondence: (W.Z.); (T.S.)
| | - Tingming Shi
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Zhuodaoquan North Road, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China;
- Correspondence: (W.Z.); (T.S.)
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17
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Obenchain R, Young SS, Krstic G. Low-level radon exposure and lung cancer mortality. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 107:104418. [PMID: 31278959 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is agreed that high level radon exposure is harmful to humans. However, some published literature suggests that low levels of radon show no adverse effects or may even be protective. Claims made using traditional methods of analysis on observational data often fail to replicate. Here, we use a simple, alternative data-analytic strategy for examining effects of low-level indoor radon exposure on lung cancer mortality. One objective will be to demonstrate that local population characteristics can alter expected effects. METHODS Observational data on indoor radon exposure levels and lung cancer mortality for 2881 U.S. counties were obtained from federal and state governmental agencies. A new "statistical thinking" step-by-step analysis strategy called Local Control (LC) allows us to perform analyses of observational data that are more objective and "fair" than regression-like methods. LC analytical strategy makes as few and as realistic assumptions as possible. As a result, key LC inferences are nonparametric, and estimates of potentially heterogeneous treatment effect-sizes are robust. RESULTS Our LC analyses suggest that lung cancer mortality usually tends to decrease as background radon exposure increases. Local rank correlation (LRC) effect-sizes are shown to be predictable from confounding local characteristics like percentage of residents over 65, percentage of residents who currently smoke and percentage of obese residents. CONCLUSIONS At low indoor radon exposure levels, reverse (negative) LRCs between radon exposure level and lung cancer mortality predominate. The strengths of these associations vary with local demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Goran Krstic
- Fraser Health Authority, New Westminster, BC, Canada
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18
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Dobrzyński L, Fornalski KW, Reszczyńska J, Janiak MK. Modeling Cell Reactions to Ionizing Radiation: From a Lesion to a Cancer. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819838434. [PMID: 31001068 PMCID: PMC6454661 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819838434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This article focuses on the analytic modeling of responses of cells in the body to ionizing radiation. The related mechanisms are consecutively taken into account and discussed. A model of the dose- and time-dependent adaptive response is considered for 2 exposure categories: acute and protracted. In case of the latter exposure, we demonstrate that the response plateaus are expected under the modelling assumptions made. The expected total number of cancer cells as a function of time turns out to be perfectly described by the Gompertz function. The transition from a collection of cancer cells into a tumor is discussed at length. Special emphasis is put on the fact that characterizing the growth of a tumor (ie, the increasing mass and volume), the use of differential equations cannot properly capture the key dynamics-formation of the tumor must exhibit properties of the phase transition, including self-organization and even self-organized criticality. As an example, a manageable percolation-type phase transition approach is used to address this problem. Nevertheless, general theory of tumor emergence is difficult to work out mathematically because experimental observations are limited to the relatively large tumors. Hence, determination of the conditions around the critical point is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Dobrzyński
- National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Otwock-Świerk,
Poland
| | - K. W. Fornalski
- National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Otwock-Świerk,
Poland
- Ex-Polon Laboratory, Łazy, Poland
| | - J. Reszczyńska
- National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Otwock-Świerk,
Poland
| | - M. K. Janiak
- Department of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Military
Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), Warszawa, Poland
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19
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Malinovsky G, Yarmoshenko I, Vasilyev A. Meta-analysis of case-control studies on the relationship between lung cancer and indoor radon exposure. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2019; 58:39-47. [PMID: 30535840 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-018-0770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Indoor exposure to natural radon is a factor that influences lung cancer risk worldwide. The present study includes a meta-analysis of epidemiological data on the relationship between lung cancer and indoor radon. Altogether, 31 case-control studies with 20,703 cases, 34,518 controls and 140 individual odds ratio (OR) estimates are included in the meta-analysis. Weighted median OR was calculated for five radon intervals. The following parameters were used for the weighting: standard error of OR, duration of radon concentration measurement, and relative number of controls in reference intervals. The dependence of the weighted median OR on the radon concentration was estimated applying linear non-threshold and threshold models. The results obtained suggest a significant linear no-threshold exposure-effect relationship for radon concentrations above 100 Bq/m3, with a slope of 0.14 (95% confidence interval 0.08-0.21) per 100 Bq/m3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgy Malinovsky
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, 20, Sophy Kovalevskoy Str., Yekaterinburg, 620219, Russia.
| | - Ilia Yarmoshenko
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, 20, Sophy Kovalevskoy Str., Yekaterinburg, 620219, Russia
| | - Aleksey Vasilyev
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, 20, Sophy Kovalevskoy Str., Yekaterinburg, 620219, Russia
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20
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Scott BR. Epidemiologic Studies Cannot Reveal the True Shape of the Dose-Response Relationship for Radon-Induced Lung Cancer. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819828617. [PMID: 30792615 PMCID: PMC6376517 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819828617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A long-standing controversy is the correct shape of the dose-response relationship for lung cancer induction by inhaled radon (eg, residential radon) at low levels. A probabilistic approach is used in this commentary to show that cohort and case-control epidemiologic studies cannot reveal the true shape of the dose-response relationship for radon-induced lung cancer. Using the indicated approach, it is found that while the dose response for radon-induced lung cancer is expected to be threshold-increasing, the dose-response curve for the cancer incidence when cancers caused by smoking and other carcinogens are included is expected to be threshold-decreasing (ie, threshold-hormetic), as low-level radon can protect from cancer induction by other carcinogens via stimulating the body's natural defenses against cancer. These defenses include DNA damage repair, removal of aberrant cells via apoptosis, suppression of cancer promoting inflammation, and anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby R Scott
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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21
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Liu XD, Xie DF, Wang YL, Guan H, Huang RX, Zhou PK. Integrated analysis of lncRNA–mRNA co-expression networks in the α-particle induced carcinogenesis of human branchial epithelial cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2018; 95:144-155. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1539880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dan Liu
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, PR China
| | - Da-Fei Xie
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yi-Long Wang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rui-Xue Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Heath, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory, School of Public Health, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
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22
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Vaiserman A, Koliada A, Zabuga O, Socol Y. Health Impacts of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation: Current Scientific Debates and Regulatory Issues. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818796331. [PMID: 30263019 PMCID: PMC6149023 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818796331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Health impacts of low-dose ionizing radiation are significant in important fields such as X-ray imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear power, and others. However, all existing and potential applications are currently challenged by public concerns and regulatory restrictions. We aimed to assess the validity of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model of radiation damage, which is the basis of current regulation, and to assess the justification for this regulation. We have conducted an extensive search in PubMed. Special attention has been given to papers cited in comprehensive reviews of the United States (2006) and French (2005) Academies of Sciences and in the United Nations Scientific Committee on Atomic Radiation 2016 report. Epidemiological data provide essentially no evidence for detrimental health effects below 100 mSv, and several studies suggest beneficial (hormetic) effects. Equally significant, many studies with in vitro and in animal models demonstrate that several mechanisms initiated by low-dose radiation have beneficial effects. Overall, although probably not yet proven to be untrue, LNT has certainly not been proven to be true. At this point, taking into account the high price tag (in both economic and human terms) borne by the LNT-inspired regulation, there is little doubt that the present regulatory burden should be reduced.
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23
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Scott BR. A Critique of Recent Epidemiologic Studies of Cancer Mortality Among Nuclear Workers. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818778702. [PMID: 29872372 PMCID: PMC5974569 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818778702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current justification by linear no-threshold (LNT) cancer risk model advocates for its use in low-dose radiation risk assessment is now mainly based on results from flawed and unreliable epidemiologic studies that manufacture small risk increases (ie, phantom risks). Four such studies of nuclear workers, essentially carried out by the same group of epidemiologists, are critiqued in this article. Three of the studies that forcibly applied the LNT model (inappropriate null hypothesis) to cancer mortality data and implicated increased mortality risk from any radiation exposure, no matter how small the dose, are demonstrated to manufacture risk increases for doses up to 100 mSv (or 100 mGy). In a study where risk reduction (hormetic effect/adaptive response) was implicated for nuclear workers, it was assumed by the researchers to relate to a "strong healthy worker effect" with no consideration of the possibility that low radiation doses may help prevent cancer mortality (which is consistent with findings from basic radiobiological research). It was found with basic research that while large radiation doses suppress our multiple natural defenses (barriers) against cancer, these barriers are enhanced by low radiation doses, thereby decreasing cancer risk, essentially rendering the LNT model to be inconsistent with the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby R. Scott
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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