International Radon Project

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The International Radon Project (IRP) is a World Health Organization effort to reduce lung cancer risk from radon worldwide. In September 2009, the IRP released guidance for member countries. Radon exposure at home and at work is a major source of ionizing radiation and causes tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. To lower this burden, national authorities need solid, evidence-based methods and strong public health policies, and the public should be informed about radon risks and how to prevent them.

Since 1996, WHO has stressed radon risk and urged action in risk management and communication. New case-control studies from many countries have improved risk estimates and show that pooling data strengthens understanding. Consistent findings from Europe, North America, and China support taking international action to reduce indoor radon risks. To guide these efforts, WHO developed a program on the public health aspects of radon exposure, a priority in its Department of Public Health and Environment.

The IRP brings together partners from about 40 countries. Launched in 2005, the project has working groups that collect and analyze information on radon risk, policies, mitigation and prevention, and risk communication. Members meet regularly to work toward the project’s goals.