Radon exposure and cancer burden: A regional spatial analysis in Finland

Abstract

This study investigates the regional disparities in the association between radon exposure and cancer burdens in Finland using spatial panel data analysis. We analyze data from 19 Finnish regions spanning the years 1990–2023, focusing on variations in radon concentrations and their association with regional cancer incidence and mortality rates. Our approach integrates both temporal and spatial dimensions, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between radon exposure levels and cancer outcomes while accounting for regional heterogeneity and spatial dependencies. The results suggest a significant positive association between elevated radon exposure and increased cancer incidence and mortality, with notable regional differences in the strength of this effect. The findings have important implications for public health interventions and policies aimed at reducing radon exposure and mitigating its cancer-related risks in Finland and other radon-prone regions.