New Study Links Radon Exposure to Childhood Leukemia: What are the Risks in 2025?

A silent threat may be lurking in your home, impacting the health of your children. While radon gas is well-known for causing lung cancer, groundbreaking research in 2025 has revealed a concerning link between radon exposure and childhood leukemia. This article delves into the findings of this new study, explains the risks, and provides actionable steps you can take to protect your family.

The Alarming Connection: Radon and Childhood Leukemia

A recent 18-year study from Oregon State University, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Imperial College London, and the Environmental Protection Agency, has uncovered a statistically significant link between radon exposure and childhood leukemia rates. The study, encompassing over 700 counties across 14 states, found that children exposed to radon concentrations of 2.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher had an 8% higher risk of developing leukemia. For females, the risk jumped to 12%. What’s particularly alarming is that this connection was observed even at radon concentrations lower than the EPA’s mitigation threshold of 4.0 pCi/L.

Lead epidemiologist Matthew Bozigar from Oregon State University stated, “We are working on many different radon studies, and we are continuing to find harmful effects not limited to the lungs in adults.” This suggests that the dangers of radon exposure may be more far-reaching than previously understood.

Understanding Radon: The Invisible Threat

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it virtually undetectable without proper testing. Radon gas seeps into homes and buildings through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors, as well as through gaps around pipes and fixtures. Basements and lower levels are particularly vulnerable to radon accumulation.

The EPA estimates that nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels. In some states, like Iowa, as many as 5 in 7 homes exceed recommended levels.

Why are Children More Vulnerable?

Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of radon exposure due to several factors:

Higher Respiratory Rate: Children breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air (and therefore more radon) relative to their body size.
Developing Organs: Children’s organs are still developing, making their tissues and cells more vulnerable to DNA damage from radiation exposure.
Proximity to the Ground: Children often spend more time closer to the ground, where radon concentrations are typically higher.

Prolonged exposure to radon in childhood can lead to elevated levels of inflammation and compromise the immune response in the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory issues like asthma and chronic coughs. Emerging research also suggests a possible link between radon exposure and neurological or cognitive issues in children.

Assessing Your Risk: Radon Testing in 2025

The only way to determine if your home has elevated radon levels is to conduct a radon test. Fortunately, testing is simple, inexpensive, and readily available.

Do-It-Yourself Kits: Radon test kits can be purchased at most hardware stores for under $20. These kits typically involve placing a passive detector in the lowest level of your home for a specified period (usually 2-7 days) and then sending it to a lab for analysis.
Professional Testing: You can also hire a certified radon measurement professional to conduct the test. This option may be preferable if you want a more comprehensive assessment or if you’re buying or selling a home.

The EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor every two years, even new construction. If you are buying a home, the EPA recommends that you have it tested for radon. Sellers are required to disclose if a test revealed high levels of radon.

Interpreting Test Results and Taking Action

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA’s action level is 4.0 pCi/L, meaning they recommend taking steps to mitigate radon levels at or above this concentration. However, given the recent findings linking radon to childhood leukemia even at lower levels, it’s wise to consider mitigation even if your results are between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.

If your radon test reveals elevated levels, don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon concentrations in your home by up to 99%. These systems typically involve sealing cracks and openings in the foundation and installing a vent pipe with a fan to draw radon gas from beneath the house and release it safely into the atmosphere. The cost of a radon mitigation system typically ranges from $800 to $1,200.

Legal Recourse for Radon Exposure

If your child has been diagnosed with leukemia and you suspect radon exposure may be a contributing factor, you may have legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney specializing in environmental exposure cases can help you assess your situation and determine the best course of action.

Proving a cancer cluster case requires demonstrating:

A cancer diagnosis in the victim.
Repeated exposure to a substance with the potential to cause that cancer.
A higher incidence of cancer in the exposed group compared to the unexposed population.

Protecting Your Family: A Proactive Approach

The new study linking radon exposure to childhood leukemia underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to protect your family. By testing your home for radon and mitigating elevated levels, you can significantly reduce the risk of this dangerous gas impacting your children’s health.

Here are some key takeaways:

Test your home for radon every two years, regardless of location or age of the building.
Consider mitigation even if radon levels are below the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, especially if you have young children.
Consult with a qualified radon professional for testing and mitigation services.
If your child is diagnosed with leukemia and you suspect radon exposure, seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney.

Don’t wait to take action. Protect your children’s health by addressing the potential threat of radon in your home today.