Researchers from Brown University in the United States explored whether exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, could be linked to stroke risk in women. The findings appeared in Neurology.
The study tracked 158,910 American women with an average age around 63. Participants provided health information and residential addresses so researchers could map regional radon levels in soil and water. This approach helped identify areas where radon exposure is more common and examine potential health impacts over time.
Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It forms from the natural decay of uranium and can seep from soil, rocks, and building materials. Water supplies may also contain radon, contributing to overall exposure in homes and communities.
During more than a decade of follow-up, researchers recorded 6,979 strokes among participants. The analysis suggested that living in areas with average radon concentrations above four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) was associated with a 14% higher risk of stroke. When soil, water, and air radon levels ranged from 2 to 4 pCi/L, the stroke risk rose by about 6%.
Authors caution readers to interpret the results carefully since the data derive from middle-aged and older women. They note that the study does not prove that radon exposure directly causes stroke, but it highlights a potential association worth further investigation. Additional research across diverse populations would help clarify how environmental radon might influence cerebrovascular health and identify any mitigating steps for households located in higher-radon regions.
In the broader context, this work contributes to ongoing discussions about environmental factors and cardiovascular risk. For residents in Canada and the United States, it underscores the value of radon testing and mitigation in homes, especially in regions known to have higher indoor radon levels. Public health authorities often recommend testing and, when necessary, reducing indoor radon to limit potential health effects over time. This evolving area of study may prompt updates to guidelines and home safety practices as more evidence becomes available. Further interdisciplinary studies will help determine whether specific interventions can lower stroke risk associated with environmental radon exposure.
Note: The discussion here reflects observed associations in the cited study and is intended to inform readers about potential risk factors. It does not imply that radon exposure is the sole cause of stroke, and individual risk can vary based on multiple factors including age, genetics, and overall health history. Community health officials continue to monitor environmental exposures and advocate informed decision-making to protect cerebrovascular health.