Is Radon linked to health condition other than lung cancer?

The condition, called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), develops when some hematopoietic stem cells, the building blocks for all blood cells, undergo genetic mutations as a person ages. Cells with such mutations replicate more quickly than cells without them. Previous research has shown people with CHIP may have a higher risk of blood cancers like leukemia and cardiovascular disease including stroke.

The study involved 10,799 female participants with an average age of 67. Approximately half of participants had a stroke or blood clots.

Researchers then used genetic testing to determine which participants had mutations typical of CHIP. Researchers found that 9.0% of participants living in areas with the highest concentration of radon had CHIP, compared to 8.4% those living in areas with medium concentrations and 7.7% of those living in areas with the lowest concentrations.

Reference: Is radon linked to health condition other than lung cancer?; AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY