The WHO handbook on indoor radon is a key product of the WHO International Radon Project, which was launched in 2005. The handbook focuses on residential radon exposure from a public health point of view and provides detailed recommendations on reducing health risks from radon as well as policy options for preventing and mitigating radon exposure.

The material in this handbook reflects the epidemiological evidence that indoor radon exposure is responsible for a substantial number of lung cancers in the general population.

The material is organized into six chapters, each introduced by key messages. Usually, technical terms are defined the first time they are used, and a glossary is included. Information is provided on devices to measure radon concentrations and on procedures for achieving reliable measurements. Also discussed are control options for radon in new dwellings, radon reduction in existing dwellings and the assessment of the costs and benefits of different radon prevention and remedial actions. Radon risk communication strategies and organizational aspects of national radon programmes are also covered.

This publication is intended for countries planning to develop national radon programmes or to extend existing activities as well as for stakeholders involved in radon control such as the construction industry and building professionals.

The overall goal of this handbook is to provide an up-to-date overview of the major aspects of radon and health. It does not aim to replace existing radiation protection standards, rather it emphasizes issues relevant to the comprehensive planning, implementation and evaluation of national radon programmes.

Contents

• Acknowledgements
• Contributors / participants
• Preface
• Executive summary
• Abbreviations
• Glossary
• Introduction
• 1. Health effects of radon
  • 1.1 Lung cancer risks in radon-exposed miners
  • 1.2 Lung cancer risks in the general population from indoor radon
  • 1.3 Radon and diseases other than lung cancer
  • 1.4 Burden of lung cancer caused by indoor radon
  • REFERENCES
• 2. Radon measurements
  • 2.1 Measurement devices
  • 2.2 Measurement protocols
  • 2.3 Quality assurance for radon measurements
  • REFERENCES
• 3. Radon prevention and mitigation
  • 3.1 Organization of radon prevention and mitigation actions
  • 3.2 Radon prevention strategies in new constructions
  • 3.3 Radon mitigation strategies in existing buildings
  • REFERENCES
• 4. Cost-effectiveness of radon control
  • 4.1 The framework of cost-effectiveness analysis
  • 4.2 Previous economic evaluations of radon prevention and mitigation
  • 4.3 Example of a cost-effectiveness analysis
  • REFERENCES
• 5. Radon risk communication
  • 5.1 Fundamentals, strategies and channels
  • 5.2 Framing radon risk issues for risk communication
  • 5.3 Core messages for radon risk communication
  • 5.4 Communication campaigns
  • REFERENCES
• 6. National radon programmes
  • 6.1 Organization of a national radon programme
  • 6.2 National radon surveys
  • 6.3 National reference levels
  • 6.4 Building regulations and building codes
  • 6.5 Identification and remediation of homes with high radon concentrations
  • REFERENCES

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.

The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers' products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.

All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use.

Declaration of interests statement: All the individuals who participated in the meetings of the International Radon Project were asked to inform WHO if at any time a conflict of interest, whether actual or potential, could be perceived in their work and they were required to sign a conflict of interest statement. There was no conflict of interest for any participants contributed to the preparation of this document.