A Comparative Study on Indoor Radon Levels Between the Lung Cancer and Cancer Free Groups in Izmir Province, Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: Izmir is the province of Turkey with the highest lung cancer incidences for males, therefore a comparative study was performed in particular districts of Izmir in 2013. In the study, it was aimed to assess the association between lung cancer risk and indoor radon. Methods: Patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 2010 and 2011 were selected from the database of the Izmir Cancer Registry (ICR). Measurements of indoor radon concentrations were performed in a total of 117 locations using the SSNTD (Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors) method with LR-115 detectors. Indoor radon concentration measured in homes of patients with lung cancer and cancer free group were compared statistically. Results: The indoor Radon (222Rn) activity concentration detected ranged from 165 to 487 Bq/m3, for the lung cancer group, from 28 to 367 Bq/m(3) for the cancer free group, with geometric means of 269 Bq/m3 and 123 Bq/m(3), respectively. Conclusion: According to the logistic regression model, as radon concentration and package/year increased, the rate of cancer increased multiple folds. These results suggest that indoor radon levels may contribute to higher rates of lung cancer for Izmir compared to the rest of the country, and indoor radon levels may be a contributory factor in this phenomenon.