**1.4 Radon**

Radon gas is a major source of ionizing radiation [7] due to the release of harmful radiation during its decay [8]. According to reports from the radon epidemiology subgroup, about 1100 radon-induced lung cancer deaths occur each year in the UK [9]. About 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur in the US [10].

**Figure 3.** *Conceptual model of caving [6].*

*Block Cave Mine Ventilation: Research Findings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104856*

The severity of these effects on human health prompted multiple investigations that focused on radon mitigation measures. Hence, it is one of the most extensively investigated carcinogens with about 1 million radon-related indoor measurements taken annually in the US [11]. Several measurements and mitigation methods are available to detect and control radon in underground mines [12].

This chapter discusses the recent research investigations related to block or panel cave mines on the following topics—immature and mature cave properties, radon and airflow behavior, radon control measures, cave characteristics, ventilation on demand, blasting fumes, prediction of porosity, and permeability of different cave zones, the effect of undercut ventilation, forcing, exhaust and the pushpull system, the effect of airgap, broken rock porosity and permeability on the cave ventilation system.
