New Perspectives on the Costs and Benefits of Mitigating Radon in Drinking Water

Abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed a federal drinking water standard for radon, in 1999. A final rule is anticipated from the EPA in 2005 or 2006. In this article, important additional insights are gleaned by applying an incremental net benefits perspective to the data and analyses presented by Vitaliano in a 2003 article published in this journal. In addition, updates to Vitaliano’s risk analysis are made, based on emerging scientific evidence on the risks posed by radon at levels seen in residential settings. The updated analysis indicates the relevant policy insights that are obtained by applying an incremental net benefits approach in lieu of average net benefits, and suggests the proposed standard may require careful reconsideration.

Keywords

radon drinking water regulations benefit-cost analysis risk assessment

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