Lung cancer in never-smokers: a case-control study in a radon-prone area (Galicia, Spain)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of residential radon exposure on the risk of lung cancer in never-smokers and to ascertain if environmental tobacco smoke modifies the effect of residential radon.

We designed a multicentre hospital-based case-control study in a radon-prone area (Galicia, Spain). All participants were never-smokers. Cases had an anatomopathologically confirmed primary lung cancer and controls were recruited from individuals undergoing minor, non-oncological surgery. Residential radon was measured using alpha track detectors.

We included 521 individuals, 192 cases and 329 controls, 21% were males. We observed an odds ratio (95% CI) of 2.42 (1.45–4.06) for individuals exposed to ≥200 Bq·m⁻³ compared with those exposed to <100 Bq·m⁻³. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure at home increased lung cancer risk in individuals with radon exposure >200 Bq·m⁻³. Individuals exposed to environmental tobacco smoke and to radon concentrations >200 Bq·m⁻³ had higher lung cancer risk than those exposed to lower radon concentrations and exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

Residential radon increases lung cancer risk in never-smokers. An association between residential radon exposure and environmental tobacco smoke on the risk of lung cancer might exist.