Assessment of Lung Cancer Risk Using Weighted Average Indoor Radon Levels in Six Districts of the Punjab Province in Pakistan

Abstract

Year-long measurements of indoor radon concentrations were taken in six districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan, using CR-39-based NRPB radon dosimeters. From the measured indoor radon concentrations, excess lung cancer risk was calculated using the risk model reported in the Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation (BEIR VI) report for the 35—54 and 55—64 year age groups. Using a local occupancy factor, average excess lung cancer risk for the 35—54 y age group residents was found to be 0.66, 0.52 and 0.37 for Gujranwala, Gujrat and Hafizabad districts, respectively. For the Sialkot, Mandibahauddin and Narowal districts it was 0.49, 0.57 and 0.59, respectively. Similarly, for the residents in the 55—64 year age group it was 0.5, 0.40, 0.47, 0.39, 0.46 and 0.46 for Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Mandibahauddin and Narowal districts, respectively. The overall average excess lung cancer risk for the area studied was 0.53.