Lung cancer and indoor radon in Florida

An epidemiologic case control study was conducted in Florida to determine if living in counties with potentially high radon levels increased the risk of lung cancer. Fifty-three Florida counties were identified for study. Eighteen of these counties were determined by a statewide radon mapping study to have potentially elevated levels of indoor radon. Thirty-five counties without elevated indoor radon levels were chosen as the comparison population. A 25% increase in lung cancer risk was observed among residents of the three county area with the highest potential for elevated levels of indoor radon. The risks appeared highest in men and were increased for all lung cancer cell types combined and for squamous cell and small cell carcinomas of the lung. Among the remaining 15 counties with elevated radon levels, no elevation in the risk of lung cancer was observed.