Radon Increases Risk for Malignant Skin Cancer

A new study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) about residential radon exposure in Switzerland shows that the radioactive gas radon increases the risk for developing malignant skin cancer. It is undisputed that radon is a risk factor for developing lung cancer. New research by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in the context of the Swiss National Cohort study now shows that the naturally occurring radioactive gas radon within one's home also increases the risk to develop malignant skin cancer (malignant melanoma). The study titled "Effects of Radon and UV Exposure on Skin Cancer Mortality in Switzerland" is published in the scientific peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives . It examines the impact of radon and UV exposure on mortality due to malignant skin cancer in Switzerland. The study analysed 1,900 deaths due to malignant melanoma which occurred throughout Switzerland between 2000 and 2008 in people aged 20 years and above. The residential radon exposure was modelled on the basis of 45,000 measurements and accounted for the housing's characteristics and the geological conditions of the area. Radon more dangerous for young people "Our study shows that, when radon decays, radioactive alpha particles not only destroy lung tissue but can also affect the skin. This has rarely been researched in the past," says Martin Röösli, professor for environmental epidemiology at Swiss TPH, who wrote the study together with Danielle Vienneau, senior scientific collaborator at the Institute. For the 30-year-olds, the relative risk for skin cancer increases around 50% per 100 Bq/m?