Assessment of health risks to skin and lung of elevated radon levels in abandoned mines.

Radon, together with its progeny, is present in high levels in some underground sites. Radon is known to increase the risk of lung cancer, while increased levels of radon decay products on the skin surface have been implicated in skin cancer induction and at sufficient levels might cause deterministic effects such as erythema. Although radon levels in working mines are controlled, radon in abandoned mines can reach very high levels, which would result in an occupant exceeding recommended annual exposure limits in less than 2 h in some mines. The relative importance of dose limits for the lung, skin cancer, and deterministic effects is discussed in the light of practical experience.