Radon Exposure May Increase Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

A new study that compared data concerning radon exposure and deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) appears to indicate a correlation between ionizing radiation exposure and the development of this neurodegenerative condition. The authors of the study conclude, “Our findings, like other studies, suggest that ionizing radiation is a risk factor for AD. Intranasal inhalation of radon gas could subject the rhinencephalon and hippocampus to damaging radiation that initiates AD. The damage would accumulate over time, causing age to be a powerful risk factor.” —Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2017