Previously submitted to: JMIR Research Protocols (no longer under consideration since Dec 12, 2023)
Date Submitted: Jul 23, 2023
Open Peer Review Period: Jul 23, 2023 - Sep 17, 2023
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Evaluating the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported lung cancer risk in residential houses proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng: A Cross-sectional study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In South Africa, particularly in Gauteng Province, residential encroachment in areas closer to gold mine tailings continues unabated, posing severe health risks for people who live in these areas. Many people in Gauteng reside near gold mine tailings, a prime source of radon gas, and are mostly unaware of the potential health risks associated with indoor radon exposure. A growing body of literature has implicated indoor radon exposure as a significant risk factor for lung cancer after smoking. Indoor radon exposure has also been associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer amongst other health problems.
Objective:
This cross-sectional study seeks to evaluate the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported lung cancer risk in residential houses proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng.
Methods:
Participants will be selected through stratified random sampling from residential houses proximal (less than 2 KM) and distal (More than 5 Km) from gold mine tailings, namely Riverlea and Orlando East. City of Johannesburg (COJ) aerials and cadastral maps will be used to locate residential houses proximal and distal gold mine tailings for comparative reasons. The sample size of 476 residential houses/householders (238 in Riverlea and 238 in Orlando East) has been determined using EPINFO. An interview-administered structured questionnaire will be used to obtain relevant socio-demographic data, health information (on lung cancer), and other lung cancer risk factors. Furthermore, lung cancer statistics from the Provincial Health Department will also be used to compare the rate of lung cancer between areas proximal and distal gold mine tailings. Alpha Guard radon monitor will be utilized to measure radon concentration indoors for 2 hours. Ethical approvals has been obtained from the Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Data will be analyzed through the use of SPSS v.27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression analysis (both univariate and multivariate will be computed to answer research questions. Research tools will be pre-tested in a pilot study and internal consistency and reliability will be evaluated using Cronbach's alpha
Results:
The results of this study will be the first in the country to reveal the lung cancer risks for people residing proximal gold mine tailings, using individual-level data.
Conclusions:
This is the first study in South Africa to evaluate the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported lung cancer risk in residential houses proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng. The outcomes of this study will enable authorities, in partnership with the general public, to develop appropriate indoor radon exposure policies and to create awareness around indoor radon exposure and related health problems.
Citation
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