Lung cancer risk at low radon exposure rates in German uranium miners
Menée en Allemagne à partir de données portant sur 26 766 salariés d'une mine d'uranium, cette étude de cohorte évalue l'association entre une exposition professionnelle au radon et le risque de cancer du poumon
Background: A determination of the risk of lung cancer at low levels of radon exposure is important for occupational radiation protection. Methods:The risk of death from lung cancer at low radon exposure rates was investigated in the subcohort of 26 766 German uranium miners hired in 1960 or later. Results:A clear association between lung cancer mortality (n=334 deaths) and cumulative exposure to radon in working level months (WLM) was found. The excess relative risk per WLM was 0.013 (95% confidence intervals: 0.007; 0.021). Conclusions:The present findings provide strong evidence for an increased lung cancer risk after long-term exposure to low radon exposure rates among Wismut miners. The results are compatible to those from residential radon studies and miner studies restricted to low levels.