Exploring the relationship between social deprivation and domestic radon levels in the East Midlands, UK

Denman, A.R, Crockett, R.G.M, Groves-Kirkby, C.J, Phillips, P.S and Gillmore, G (2019) 'Exploring the relationship between social deprivation and domestic radon levels in the East Midlands, UK.' Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 199. pp. 84-98. ISSN 0265-931X

Preview

Text 14050.pdf - Published Version CC BY 4.0. Download (9MB) | Preview

Abstract

The natural radioactive gas radon is widely present in the built environment and at high concentrations is associated with enhanced risk of lung-cancer. This risk is significantly enhanced for habitual smokers. Although populations with higher degrees of social deprivation are frequently exposed to higher levels of many health-impacting pollutants, a recent study suggests that social deprivation in the UK is associated with lower radon concentrations. The analysis reported here, based on published data on social deprivation and domestic radon in urban and rural settings in the English East Midlands, identifies a weak association between increasing deprivation and lower radon areas. This is attributed to the evolution of the major urban centres on low-permeability, clay-rich alluvial soils of low radon potential. In addition, the predominance of high-rise dwellings in towns and cities will further reduce average exposure to radon in populations in those areas.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	School of Sciences
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.01.010
Date Deposited:	27 May 2021 18:58
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2021 09:56
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/14050

	Request a change to this item or report an issue
	Update item (repository staff only)