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New York, NY – January 10, 2025
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed a concerning link between higher radon exposure and increased odds of developing gestational diabetes (GD) in nulliparous pregnant individuals. The research, conducted by Yijia Zhang, Ph.D., from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, provides new insights into the potential health risks associated with radon exposure during pregnancy.
The study examined the relationship between county-level radon exposure and the risk of gestational diabetes in a multicenter, population-based cohort study. Researchers utilized data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (NuMoM2b) cohort, including a sample of 9,107 pregnant individuals. The participants, who had diverse backgrounds, included 41.6 percent who reported ever using tobacco.
The findings indicated that the average county-level radon concentration was 1.6 pCi/L, and 4.2 percent of the participants developed GD during their pregnancies. The odds of developing GD were significantly higher for those living in counties with higher radon levels (≥2 pCi/L) compared to those residing in counties with lower radon levels (<1 pCi/L). After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratio was found to be 1.37 (95% CI, 1.41 to 3.11), suggesting a clear association between elevated radon exposure and gestational diabetes risk.
Further analysis revealed that the association remained, even after accounting for other environmental factors, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollutants. The odds ratio adjusted for PM2.5 exposure decreased slightly to 1.36 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.86). However, the study noted that individuals who had ever smoked and lived in areas with higher radon and PM2.5 levels had even greater odds of developing GD. Specifically, ever-smokers in high-radon areas had an odds ratio of 2.09 (95% CI, 1.41 to 3.11), and those in regions with both high radon and high PM2.5 exposure had an odds ratio of 1.93 (95% CI, 1.31 to 2.83).
The study’s authors emphasize that while the findings are significant, further research is necessary to confirm the results. They recommend future studies focusing on individual-level indoor radon measurement and exploring the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.
“This study provides a foundation for future research on radon exposure and its potential impact on pregnancy outcomes,” the authors wrote. “Further exploration of the underlying mechanisms could help inform public health recommendations and interventions to reduce risks for pregnant individuals.”
The research adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential health impacts of radon exposure. Radon, a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in the soil, is known to pose risks to lung health, but its effect on pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes has been less studied until now.
For more information on this study, visit JAMA Network Open.
Sources:
- Yijia Zhang et al., “Radon Exposure and Gestational Diabetes,” JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54319
- Alberto Ruano-Ravina et al., “Radon and Disease—It Is Time for More Case-Control Studies,” JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54327
