Biologic effects of radon exposure

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose significant health risks, particularly in indoor environments where it can accumulate to high concentrations. When radon and its radioactive decay products are inhaled, they can decay within the lung. During this process, alpha particles are emitted which are highly ionizing and can severely increase the risk for lung cancer.

Our research group uses radiobiological modeling to quantify these effects at the cellular level. The Local Effect Model (LEM), originally developed at GSI to quantify cell inactivation by heavy ion irradiation, can also be applied to carcinogenic endpoints.  By modeling the competition between radiation-induced mutations and cell inactivation, we can predict relative cancer risks associated with radon exposure.

Our current research focuses on the energy dependence of these effects and the influence of inhomogeneous radon distribution in the airways. We aim to contribute to a more detailed understanding of radon-induced carcinogenesis and finally improve risk predictions.

Publications
  • Hufnagl A, Scholz M, Friedrich T. Modeling Radiation-Induced Neoplastic Cell Transformation In Vitro and Tumor Induction In Vivo with the Local Effect Model. Radiation Research 195:427-440 (2021). doi:10.1667/rade-20-00160.1

  • Papenfuß F, Maier A, Sternkopf S, Fournier C, Kraft G, Friedrich T. Radon progeny measurements in a ventilated filter system to study respiratory-supported exposure. Scientific Reports 13:10792 (2023). doi:10.1038/s41598-023-37697-7

Project contributors

Group Leader:
Dr. Thomas Friedrich

 

PhD Students:
M.Sc. Kim Lea Sennhenn