Effectiveness of radon relative to acute 60Co gamma-rays for induction of micronuclei in vitro and in vivo.

Because radon and its progeny (referred to collectively here as radon) emit α particles with a wide range of energies, as well as β particles and γ-rays, it is important to quantitate the relationship between initial damage induced by radon and that by acute low-LET radiation. We have evaluated dose-response relationships for induction of micronuclei both in vivo and in vitro following exposure to radon or 60 Co. To determine if isolation procedures altered the cells' responsiveness to 60 Co γ-ray exposures, animals were exposed before cell isolation, or cells were isolated and then exposed