Ionizing Radiation and Childhood Leukemia

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Russ Abel

Primary Institution: George Perkins Marsh Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts

Is ionizing radiation associated with an increased risk of childhood leukemia?

The evidence suggests that preconception, prenatal, and postnatal exposures to ionizing radiation are all risk factors for childhood leukemia.

Studies of atomic bomb survivors show a clear link between radiation exposure and leukemia risk.
Children exposed to fallout from the Chernobyl accident have shown increased leukemia rates.
Research indicates that paternal radiation exposure may also increase leukemia risk in children.

This study says that being around certain types of radiation before and after a baby is born can make them more likely to get leukemia.

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