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Radon exposure and gestational diabetes

A cohort study found that individuals with higher radon exposure are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The study suggests a potential link between radon exposure and metabolic health in nulliparous pregnant women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 10, 2025

Limited correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins in new study

A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found no significant correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins. Researchers used data from Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to map dog home addresses to radon zones and fracking wells, but did not find a link.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalJournal of Veterinary Medicine·DateMar 8, 2024

Particle radioactivity linked to pollution-associated heart attack and stroke death

Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 5, 2022

Reassessing radon as a reliable groundwater tracer

Researchers reassess radon's accuracy for tracing natural radioactive atoms in flowing groundwater. A new study reveals that the equilibrium assumption used in previous measurements may be flawed, throwing doubt on radon transfer rates.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateFeb 2, 2022

Campus natural gas power plants pose no radon risks

A two-year study found that Penn State's power plants on campus pose no radon-related health risks, despite high concentrations of radon in the natural gas used. Researchers measured radon levels downwind and upwind from the plants, finding them to be far below a health threat.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateFeb 6, 2017

Increased levels of radon in Pennsylvania homes correspond to onset of fracking

Radon levels in Pennsylvania homes have risen since 2004, coinciding with the onset of fracking. The study found higher readings in buildings near active gas wells compared to low-activity areas. Radon is a known carcinogen that can accumulate in homes without adequate ventilation, increasing lung cancer risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 2015

A noble gas cage

A new porous material called CC3 effectively traps radioactive krypton and xenon gases from nuclear fuel, using less energy than conventional methods. The material's selectivity is higher than other experimental materials, making it a promising solution for removing unwanted elements.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2014

Major source of radon exposure overlooked at former Ohio uranium-processing plant

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati identified a second, potentially more significant source of radon exposure at a former Ohio uranium-processing plant. Six silos filled with uranium ore in the production area resulted in relatively high levels of radon exposure to 12% of workers, while over half were exposed to low levels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateOct 23, 2008