The relationship of radon to gastrointestinal malignancies

Radon has known and well-studied carcinogenic effects on pulmonary epithelium. The gastrointestinal tract has potential for radon exposure by swallowed air and/or pulmonary secretions or contaminated drinking water. However, the relationship between radon and gastrointestinal malignancies is poorly documented. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate a potential relationship between radon levels and gastrointestinal malignancies within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In a retrospective analysis, the radon levels as reported by the Department of Environmental Resources for each county in Pennsylvania were compared to the incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal cancer in Pennsylvania by county as reported by the Pennsylvania Tumor Registry from 1985 to 1989. The incidence and mortality of stomach, esophagus, colon, pancreas, and rectal cancer was reported for male, female, and total county population and compared to radon levels for that county. Using the NCSS computer package with P value set at 0.05, a positive correlation was found between radon levels and the incidence of stomach cancer in females, and the mortality of stomach cancer for male, female, and total population. This study suggests a relationship between radon levels and gastric cancer mortality. Further investigation into the role of radon carcinogenesis may be warranted.