CORVALLIS, Ore. — In the largest study of its kind, researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have discovered a link between radon gas and high levels of childhood cancer.
They say radon levels, even below federal guidelines, appear to be linked to childhood leukemia.
Since much is known about the environment’s role in higher childhood cancer rates, there are few established risk factors for kids.
But researchers say this study may lead to change in that area.
Matt Bozigar, the lead researcher and OSU assistant professor in the College of Health grew up in Portland and has seen the pockets of high radon levels in the state.
Bozigar decided it was worth comparing radon levels in average home basements in counties in Oregon and across the country with rates of childhood cancer and more specifically — leukemia.
“Kids can be exposed in their homes and there’s just little research on that,” he said.
In a study of more than 700 counties, Bozingar and his collaborators found decaying radon gas appears linked to childhood leukemia — and not just when it exceeds environmental protection agency guidelines.
He said even at half those levels, it’s not to be taken lightly.
Wherever you have groundwater, rocks and soil — especially under houses, you can find radon gas collecting indoors.
For example, he said basements and crawl spaces are at risk.
Highly concentrated levels pose a risk of lung cancer, while leukemia is the most common cancer in children. It affects the blood and bone marrow.
“What our study has shown is we need to think about this as a more serious risk factor,” Bozingar said. “But we really need is additional research on this topic, we hope that’s the outcome and impact that our study has.”
Radon inspectors recommends installing radon detectors in homes and keeping basements and crawl spaces well ventilated.
Bozinger said no level of radon is safe, so testing new and old homes is the best way to stay safe.
Scientists from the National Cancer Institute, Harvard University and Imperial College London collaborated with OSU on this study.