Variation with socioeconomic status of indoor radon levels in Great Britain: The less affluent have less radon. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kendall, Gerald M.; Miles, Jon C.H.; Rees, David; Wakeford, Richard; Bunch, Kathryn J.; Vincent, Tim J.; Little, Mark P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 164(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Radon -- Socioeconomic status -- Deprivation -- Epidemiology; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: We demonstrate a strong correlation between domestic radon levels and socio-economic status (SES) in Great Britain, so that radon levels in homes of people with lower SES are, on average, only about two thirds of those of the more affluent. This trend is apparent using small area measures of SES and also using individual social classes. The reasons for these differences are not known with certainty, but may be connected with greater underpressure in warmer and better-sealed dwellings. There is also a variation of indoor radon levels with the design of the house (detached, terraced, etc.). In part this is probably an effect of SES, but it appears to have other causes as well. Data from other countries are also reviewed, and broadly similar effects seen in the United States for SES, and in other European countries for detached vs other types of housing. Because of correlations with smoking, this tendency for the lower SES groups to experience lower radon levels may underlie the negative association between radon levels and lung cancer rates in a well-known ecological study based on US Counties. Those conducting epidemiological studies of radon should be alert for this effect and control adequately for SES. Highlights: Less affluent homes have lower radon levels. This association does not appear to be due just to the type of dwelling. This effect must be taken into account in epidemiological studies of radon if SES may be a factor. The less affluent will often tend to have lower radon and higher smoking levels. Hence potential smoking-mediated associations between radon and lung cancer.