Measurement and Reporting of Radon Exposures (ICRU Report 88)

Lung cancer risk caused by the inhalation of radon (²²²Rn) and its short-lived progeny is related to lung dose, which cannot be directly measured. The only measurable parameters which allow the determining of lung doses are the radon and radon progeny activity concentrations and related size distributions. Although lung cancers are caused by the inhaled short-lived radon progeny and not by the radon gas, it is the radon gas which is commonly measured and not its progeny. Since radon gas measurements are much easier to carry out, require less expensive equipment and are especially suited for long-term measurements, the report focuses on the measurement of the radon gas for specific exposure conditions in homes and workplaces. The first objective of this Report is to provide information on how to measure radon, covering measurement techniques of radon in air and water, currently available detection systems, and measurement strategies most appropriate for the desired goal of a measurement campaign.

The second objective of this Report is how to interpret and report the results of these measurements, the associated uncertainties, and the resulting dosimetric estimates.

Finally, the third objective of this Report is to provide recommendations on optimal measurement strategies, measurement techniques, recording and reporting of measurements for different measurement objectives, such as individual exposure, average population exposure in a region or country, epidemiological studies or compliance with reference levels in radiation protectio