Work

The risk of multiple myeloma associated with daily low-dose exposure to ionising radiation from radon decay

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ionising radiation is suspected to increase the risk of multiple myeloma (MM) but has mostly been investigated at occasional high doses rather than exposure to continuous low doses at home. METHODS: in each municipality, where SIR of class 1 (lowest radon exposure group) was compared to the SIRs of class 2-4 by incidence rate ratios (IRRs). RESULTS: Based on 5218 included patients distributed among 275 municipalities, no statistically significant association was found. The IRRs revealed a small inverse association due to 17 % lower SIR in class 4 as compared to class 1. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of a positive association suggests no increased risk of MM in areas with higher radon concentrations in homes based on aggregated data. These findings must be clarified in individual-level based studies.

Source: Cancer Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2026.103024