Effects of radon mitigation vs smoking cessation in reducing radon-related risk of lung cancer.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide smokers with information on the relative benefits of mitigating radon and quitting smoking in reducing radon-related lung cancer risk. The standard radon risk model, linked with models characterizing residential radon exposure and patterns of moving to new homes, was used to estimate the risk reduction produced by remediating high-radon homes, quitting smoking, or both. Quitting smoking reduces lung cancer risk from radon more than does reduction of radon exposure itself. Smokers should understand that, in addition to producing other health benefits, quitting smoking dominates strategies to deal with the problem posed by radon.