I have determined radon in Philippine caves for my MS thesis. To add an environmental health aspect, I have proposed calculating the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) for tourists and workers. I have found that there is no significant risk to tourists. However, it is not the same for the workers since they spend more time inside the caves due to repeated entry. I found an estimated ELCR of 2% - 3% for the workers. Does anyone has an idea where can I compare this estimation and what is would be your opinion on this. For now, I can just say that there is a significant risk to cave workers due to radon exposure.
I tried looking for related literatures but most ELCRs are estimated for indoor environments such as work offices and homes.
There is no study on radon and lung cancer that has demonstrated a relationship at a simple level of statistical significance. A conclusion that there is a relationship requires a rigorously supported proof that goes beyond dragging a p-value from struggling data.
Nevertheless, if you must produce an ECLR for your thesis, assume a regulatory model of risk as your basis. Use the basic premise of time of exposure and what is considered as equivalent lifetime to proportion risk. It is that simple.
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