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The costs of radon mitigation in domestic properties

Coskeran, T., Denman, A. R. and Phillips, P. S. (2001) The costs of radon mitigation in domestic properties. Health Policy. 57(2), pp. 97-109. 0168-8510.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: The paper examines the costs of mitigating radon levels in domestic properties using data from the radon-affected county of Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom. Cost-effectiveness of mitigation is measured in terms of the total costs per lung cancers saved per year by mitigation expenditures. The results obtained match those reported in published theoretical estimates for proposed national mitigation programmes. Mitigation in domestic properties is shown to be more effective in reducing lung cancers than a mitigation programme designed for National Health Service workplaces in Northamptonshire, when all householders discovering radon levels above 300 Bequerels per cubic metre (Bq m−3) are assumed to implement mitigation strategies. In the United Kingdom, however, as elsewhere, only a small percentage of those finding raised radon levels proceed to mitigation. This reduces the effectiveness of mitigation programmes in domestic properties to levels matching those in the National Health Service workplaces. The paper confirms findings in studies from Europe and the United States that a significant proportion of householders with radon levels between 200 and 300 Bq m−3 do not implement remedial work. The paper concludes with a range of policy proposals based on the results obtained.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Costs, domestic properties, lung cancer, mitigation, Radon
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1247.R33 Toxicology. Radon
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution
Creators: Coskeran, Thomas, Denman, Anthony R and Phillips, Paul S
Publisher: Elsevier
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Environment
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
Date: 2001
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 97-109
Journal or Publication Title: Health Policy
Volume: 57
Number: 2
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-8510(00)00146-9
ISSN: 0168-8510
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6244

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