Radon Exposure, Health Impacts and Public Health Policies

Exposure to radon and its progeny in buildings represents one of the largest sources of natural ionising radiation for the population and is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer. International organisations such as the European Commission, WHO and IARC have identified the reduction of radon exposure in buildings as a key priority for protecting public health from radiation risks, as it was formulated in the European Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM (EU-BSS) and in other international regulations.Given the importance of the issue, we conclude that protecting the population from radon is a significant step toward reducing radon-related health effects and risks and, in turn, improving the safety and security of their buildings. Although important insights into radon exposure have been gained in recent decades, innovative interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer are needed internationally to improve methods for reducing and controlling the effects of this radioactive gas on the population over the long term.The goal of this Research Topic is to advance scientific understanding and public health strategies aimed at reducing population exposure to radon in indoor environments. Despite increasing recognition of radon as a major source of natural ionising radiation and a leading environmental risk factor for lung cancer, important gaps remain in exposure assessment, risk communication and effective mitigation strategies across different regions.This Research Topic seeks to bring together interdisciplinary research addressing the measurement, distribution and determinants of radon in residential and occupational settings, as well as studies evaluating the health impacts of long-term exposure. Particular emphasis will be placed on epidemiological evidence, innovative monitoring methods, mitigation and prevention strategies in buildings, and the development and implementation of national and international public health policies aimed at radon risk reduction.We welcome submissions addressing a broad range of issues relevant to understanding, preventing and reducing radon exposure and its public health impact. Suitable themes for manuscripts include, but are not limited to:• Geogenic radon, building materials, and main radon sources for public exposure;• Radon measurement methods and techniques;• Radon dynamics and distribution in buildings;• Assessment of radon exposure in different types of buildings;• Quantification of the impact of radon exposure on human health;• Epidemiological studies and correlations with radon levels in different buildings;• Health effects assessment, including studies on radon-smoking synergism and co-morbidities with other possible diseases;• Mitigation and remedial actions in existing buildings;• Preventive measures in new buildings;• Completion of the national radon map;• Development of effective public policies worldwide. Topic editors: Cucos Dinu Alexandra Laura, Carmela Carpentieri, Stefan Florica, Francesco Bochicchio, Coretchi Liuba Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78950/radon-exposure-health-impacts-and-public-health-policies