Radon: radiation aspects of residential hygiene

The article attempts to outline the role that radon plays in the radiation hygiene of the living environment. The natural occurrence of 222Rn and the internal irradiation doses caused by the daughter products are discussed. The induction of lung cancer in various groups of mine workers exposed to radon and radon daughter products is considered and the factors affecting the concentration of radon in buildings, particularly houses, are presented. A number of case studies concerning the occurrence of radon in dwellings in different countries, are outlined. (C.F.)