A Dosimetric Model for Localised Radon Progeny Accumulations at Tracheobronchial Bifurcations

We discuss the effects of enhanced deposition and reduced mucociliary clearance at tracheobronchial bifurcations on the dosimetry of inhaled radon progeny. Calculations indicate that radon progeny accumulations at airway branching sites can lead to significantly higher doses delivered to epithelial cells located within bifurcations, particularly at carinal ridges, than along tubular sections. These anatomical sites of increased exposure in tracheobronchial airways, the main, lobar, and segmental bronchi, are consistent with clinically reported locations of preferential occurrence of lung carcinomas in uranium miners