Keywords
lung cancer
alpha particles
maps
How to Cite
Abstract
Radon (Rn222) is a radioactive noble gas whose origin is Radium (Ra226) when it emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) or a helium nucleus. Rn222 transforms in another radioactive element (Po218) when an alpha particle is emitted. Its carcinogenic effect on the lung was discovered various decades ago, first on uranium miners and later on general population exposed at home to residential radon. The main factor influencing radon concentration in dwellings is the uranium content of the subsoil, since uranium is the first element of the radioactive disintegration chain where radon appears. Geological risk areas of Spain due to their granite and therefore uranium content are Galicia, the Northwest and the West of Spain. Numerous countries of Europe and America have enforced legislation focused to protect population and reduce radon concentration in order to prevent lung cancer appearance. These laws comprise public buildings and private homes. Since the late 80s, alpha radiation generated by radon and its short-life descendents has been classified as carcinogenic agents by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (Lyon, 1988) and the National Research Council (BEIR IV, 1988).
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