Hendee W R, Doege T C
Group on Science and Technology, American Medical Association, Chicago, IL 60610.
Semin Nucl Med. 1988 Jan;18(1):3-9. doi: 10.1016/s0001-2998(88)80014-x.
Radon has always been a component of ground and air and it has been present in increased concentrations from the moment humans first sought shelter inside dwellings. Recent improvements in the energy efficiency of dwellings have led to increased concentrations of radon and to increased risks of lung cancer. To quantify the magnitude of this risk, well-designed epidemiological studies, including surveys of representative dwellings, are needed, and several are being implemented. In the meantime, the EPA and other agencies have offered guidance on monitoring procedures and remedial measures appropriate for the problem on indoor radon. Recent disclosures of relatively high concentrations of radon and radon decay products in homes in several parts of the country have increased public concern about the problem. More information and education are needed about the health risks of radon, the desirability of implementing monitoring procedures for radon, and about remediation measures when detected levels are above average. Educational resources are needed in communities to address local issues when they arise. These resources should include knowledgeable individuals who can work with state and county health officials to put public concerns into perspective within the local context. Physicians, other health professionals, and medical scientists have the knowledge and credentials to be these individuals. To provide health professionals with knowledge and skills to communicate with the public about the health risks of radon, the American Medical Association has prepared an authoritative report and initiated a series of regional seminars on the origin and health risks of radon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
氡一直是土壤和空气中的一种成分，自人类首次在住所内寻求庇护之时起，其浓度就开始上升。近期住宅能源效率的提高导致了室内氡浓度的增加以及肺癌风险的上升。为了量化这种风险的程度，需要精心设计的流行病学研究，包括对有代表性的住宅进行调查，目前已有多项此类研究正在开展。与此同时，美国环境保护局（EPA）和其他机构已就室内氡问题的监测程序和补救措施提供了指导。最近国内几个地区披露的家庭中氡及其衰变产物浓度相对较高，这增加了公众对该问题的担忧。需要更多关于氡的健康风险、实施氡监测程序的必要性以及检测水平高于平均水平时的补救措施的信息和教育。社区需要教育资源，以便在当地问题出现时加以应对。这些资源应包括有见识的个人，他们能够与州和县级卫生官员合作，在当地背景下正确看待公众的担忧。医生、其他健康专业人员和医学科学家具备成为这些人的知识和资质。为了使健康专业人员具备与公众就氡的健康风险进行沟通的知识和技能，美国医学协会编写了一份权威报告，并发起了一系列关于氡的来源和健康风险的区域研讨会。（摘要截选至250词）
