Indoor Radon Gas (222Rn) Levels in Homes in Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico and the Risk of Lung Cancer

• Main Authors: Carolina Lerma-Treviño, Hector Rubio-Arias, Luis Humberto Colmenero-Sujo, Maria de Lourdes Villalba, Jesus Manuel Ochoa-Rivero
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: mining-related disease; natural uranium; Chihuahua; Mexico
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/7/1337

Radon (222Rn) is an odorless and tasteless gas that is known to cause lung cancer. The objective of this research was to quantify the levels of exposure to radon among people living in an environment rich in uranium (U). Radon concentrations were measured for 3 days in 12 homes in Aldama, Mexico. Homeowners agreed to participate in the study; hence, the sample was non-probabilistic. Radon was measured with a portable AlphaGuard Radon Monitor (Genicron Instruments GmbH), which was placed in a bedroom of each home at a height of 0.74 m. Gas levels were registered in Becquerels (Bq m−3), with readings taken every 10 min along with readings of ambient temperature (AT), air pressure (AP), and relative humidity (RH). We found that radon gas levels in Aldama exceed the maximum permissible limits (USA: 148 Bq m−3). Levels were higher at night, and were above the maximum permissible level recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations (<200 Bq m−3). Most residents in the area have family histories of lung problems, but it was difficult to establish a strong correlation between 222Rn and lung cancer. Federal, state, and municipal governments should take stronger action to reduce the effects of radon gas on communities.