Radon Exposure Linked to Higher Ovarian Cancer Risk

New study finds women living in homes with elevated radon levels have increased odds of developing ovarian cancer.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph showing the ghostly outline of a human ovary glowing with a faint red-orange radiance, symbolizing the invisible threat of radon gas and its potential impact on women's health.An X-ray image reveals the internal structures of the ovary, highlighting the invisible threat of radon gas and its potential link to increased ovarian cancer risk.Grand Forks Today

A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that women living in homes with high levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, have a 31% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those exposed to low radon levels. The risk was even higher for women with a family history of breast cancer.

Why it matters

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., but this is the first large-scale study to demonstrate a link between radon exposure and ovarian cancer risk. Given that ovarian cancer is highly fatal, these findings could have significant implications for ovarian cancer prevention if radon levels in homes can be reduced.

The details

The study tracked nearly 128,000 women participating in a large health research project. Researchers used participants' home addresses to estimate their radon exposure based on National Geological Survey data, classifying exposure into low (<2 pCi/L), medium (2-4 pCi/L), and high (>4 pCi/L) zones. The results showed that women exposed to high radon levels had a 31% increased risk of ovarian cancer and were 31% more likely to die from the disease compared to those in the low exposure zone. The risk was even higher, 63% increased, for women with a family history of breast cancer.

  • The study was published on April 10, 2026.
  • Researchers tracked data from a large-scale health research project.

The players

Gary Schwartz

Chair of population health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences and the lead author of the study.

Jacqueline Moline

Senior vice president and chair of occupational medicine, epidemiology and prevention at Northwell Health in New York City, who reviewed the study findings.

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What they’re saying

“The risks of ovarian cancer, particularly serous ovarian cancer, were significantly higher in the high radon zone.”

— Gary Schwartz, Chair of population health

“This study is really the first to report that environmental radon exposure, which is a fairly common environmental hazard, can lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women.”

— Jacqueline Moline, Senior vice president and chair of occupational medicine, epidemiology and prevention

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of testing homes for radon levels, as simple mitigation measures can help reduce exposure and potentially lower ovarian cancer risk, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer.