Biophysical effects of radon exposure on human lung cells

Radon and its decay products are suspected to be one of the strongest natural carcinogenesis in man's environment based on epidemiological evidence, animal inhalation experiments and dosimetric calculations. Presently no in vitro evidence of radon daughter carcinogenic potential is available. The aim of the present study is to investigate the reaction of human lung cells and tissue samples to different levels of exposure to radon and its daughters. Experimental methods consist of the use of different microelectrodes for itra- and extracellular recordings. Preliminary assessment of cellular dose due to radon exposure is based on exposure levels and cellular target geometry. Analysis of the investigation of the biophysical parameters revealed the following statistically significant results: a) metabolic changes as indicated by alteration of cellular oxygen consumption b) alterations of membrane properties as measured by the transmembrane resting potential