Lung Cancer in Males and Type of Dwelling: An epidemiologic pilot study

Abstract

Data from a large case-control study of male lung cancer in northern Sweden were used for a pilot study concerning possible association between type of dwelling (indoor radon) and lung cancer. The study illustrated the possibilities of retrospective assessment of building type and confounding factors of importance as smoking and occupation and can therefore have methodologic value for further investigations. The study suggested that, within the region, increased indoor radon due to building material was not an important cause of lung cancer. Leakage of radon from the ground could, however, not be considered in the present study and the used radon measure was very crude (years in non-wooden houses).