Adult Myeloid Leukaemia and Radon Exposure: a Bayesian Model for a Case-Control Study with Error in Covariates

The possible association between radon exposure in dwellings and adult myeloid leukaemia had been explored in an Italian province by a case-control study. A total of 44 cases and 211 controls were selected from death certificates file. No association had been found in the original study (OR =0.58 for >185 vs <=80Bq/cm). Here we reanalyse the data taking into account the measurement error of radon concentration and the presence of missing data. A Bayesian hierarchical model with error in covariates is proposed which allows appropriate imputation of missing values. The general conclusion of no evidence of association with radon does not change, but a negative association is not observed anymore (OR =0:99 for ¿185 vs 680Bq=cm). After adjusting for residential house radon and gamma radiation, and for the multilevel data structure, geological features of the soil is associated with adult myeloid leukaemia risk (OR =2:14; 95 per cent Cr.I. 1.0–5.5).