Is indoor radon linked to leukaemia in children and adults

The evidence linking indoor radon exposure to childhood and adult leukaemia is reviewed. At the UK average indoor exposure of 20 Bq m, it is estimated that the radon derived equivalent dose accrued to the fetus is 106 μSv. The equivalent dose rate to adult bone marrow ~130 μSv y. Standard radiation risk factors suggest that 5% of childhood and 4% of adult leukaemia is linked to radon at 20 Bq m exposure. Geographical studies generally support such a link at about this magnitude. A number of case-control studies have been carried out but these in general have not had enough resolving power to determine a link between radon and leukaemia at the level suggested by radiation risk factors.