WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective

Excerpt

The WHO handbook on indoor radon is a key product of the WHO International Radon Project, which was launched in 2005. The handbook focuses on residential radon exposure from a public health point of view and provides detailed recommendations on reducing health risks from radon as well as policy options for preventing and mitigating radon exposure.

The material in this handbook reflects the epidemiological evidence that indoor radon exposure is responsible for a substantial number of lung cancers in the general population.

The material is organized into six chapters, each introduced by key messages. Usually, technical terms are defined the first time they are used, and a glossary is included. Information is provided on devices to measure radon concentrations and on procedures for achieving reliable measurements. Also discussed are control options for radon in new dwellings, radon reduction in existing dwellings and the assessment of the costs and benefits of different radon prevention and remedial actions. Radon risk communication strategies and organizational aspects of national radon programmes are also covered.

This publication is intended for countries planning to develop national radon programmes or to extend existing activities as well as for stakeholders involved in radon control such as the construction industry and building professionals.

The overall goal of this handbook is to provide an up-to-date overview of the major aspects of radon and health. It does not aim to replace existing radiation protection standards, rather it emphasizes issues relevant to the comprehensive planning, implementation and evaluation of national radon programmes.