A Revealed Preference Approach to Valuations of Risk Reductions: a Contractor’s Sample

Radon is a naturally occurring tasteless, odourless gas. It is found everywhere, usually at negligible concentrations. It can enter buildings from porous soil and rock and usually dissipates harmlessly into the atmosphere (1). However, in enclosed spaces, such as houses, it can accumulate and pose health hazards, specifically an increased risk of lung cancer (2,3). On average radon contributes 50% of the natural background radiation dose to the general public (4). It is therefore an important source of radiation dosage in the general population and has been recognised in many countries as an environmental and public health issue.