Lung cancer risk at low radon exposure rates in German uranium miners.

ABSTRACT: A determination of the risk of lung cancer at low levels of radon exposure is important for occupational radiation protection.The risk of death from lung cancer at low radon exposure rates was investigated in the subcohort of 26,766 German uranium miners hired in 1960 or later.A clear association between lung cancer mortality (n=334 deaths) and cumulative exposure to radon in working level months (WLM) was found. The excess relative risk per WLM was 0.013 (95% confidence intervals: 0.007; 0.021).The present findings provide strong evidence for an increased lung cancer risk after long-term exposure to low radon exposure rates among Wismut miners. The results are compatible to those from residential radon studies and miner studies restricted to low levels.

SUBMITTER: Kreuzer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4815799 | biostudies-other | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other