Indoor radon levels and lung cancer in the Alto Minho region (Northern Portugal): a geological and public health risk assessment

This study explores the potential association between lung cancer prevalence and geology-derived indoor radon (Rn) concentration potential in Portugal's Alto Minho region. It also considers factors such as the elderly population percentage and the area's geological features. The analysis shows a notable, though variable, association between crude lung cancer rates and geology-derived indoor radon concentration potential across municipalities, reflecting the region's geological diversity. Municipalities classified as having higher indoor radon concentration potential tended to show higher crude lung cancer rates; given the ecological design, this is interpreted as a suggestive association rather than as evidence that radon is an established risk factor in this population. A statistically significant difference was identified between municipalities classified as having 'High' versus 'Low' indoor radon concentration potential-dichotomised using the 300 Bq·m