2. Radon Reduction and Control: Federal Laws and Efforts
Radon exposure has not been linked with major diseases in childhood, but the risk
of greatest concern is that of consequent lung cancer in adulthood. The USEPA’s
risk estimates for radon are based on cohort studies of male workers in mines
[7,15]; however, the derived risk estimates were erroneously extrapolated to
women, children, and non-working men. Cao and associates recently re-analyzed
cohort studies of male workers in mines, and the results show that the USEPA’s
original estimates of fatal risks attributable to radon may be overestimated by 9–
26% after accounting for confounding by occupational exposure to diesel. Although
methods for estimating risks have changed over the years, the observed risks
attributable to radon are still considered to be unacceptable [7], and radon exposure
maintains its high public health importance as the second leading cause of lung
cancer deaths in the U.S. Whereas European Union (EU) regulations regarding
radon are discussed briefly in a separate section below, we note here that the
influence of EU directives on radon exposure in EU member countries may have
relevance to the role U.S. Federal agencies, such as the USEPA, may play in
reducing exposure in individual U.S. states [16].
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 requires
USEPA to (1) conduct nationwide assessments of radon gas across the United
States where people live, work, and go to school; (2) assess the levels of radon gas
present in such structures and the impact to human health; and (3) determine
methods of reducing or eliminating human exposure to radon gas and provide
guidance and public information materials based on the results of those assessments
(SARA, Title I, Section 118(k) (1)). SARA further requires the USEPA to (1)
establish a research program to facilitate the understanding of health problems
associated with exposure to air pollutants including radon gas in the indoor
environment; (2) coordinate Federal, state, local, and private research and
development efforts to improve indoor air quality; and (3) assess appropriate
Federal Government actions to mitigate the environmental and health risks
associated with indoor air quality problems. Following the SARA of 1986, the
Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1988 granted USEPA authority to conduct radon
studies and compile a list of high risk areas, including schools, with elevated levels
of radon.
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