How radon exposure affects mental health in young people
Pathways to mental health: the mediating role of altered cytokines on the relationship between chronic home radon exposure and emotional neural circuitry in developing youths
This study is looking at how long-term exposure to radon, a common gas found in some homes, might affect the mental health of young people by changing how their brains develop and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boys Town, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10807061 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of chronic radon exposure on the mental health of developing youths. It focuses on how radon, a common environmental toxin, may lead to changes in inflammatory activity that can affect brain development and emotional health. By examining the relationship between radon exposure, altered cytokine levels, and neural circuitry, the study aims to uncover potential links to mental health disorders. The research employs a combination of environmental assessments and psychological evaluations to gather data on affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youths living in homes with high radon levels, particularly those showing signs of emotional or cognitive difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in areas with significant radon exposure or who do not exhibit any mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for mental health issues related to environmental toxins in children.
How similar studies have performed: While research on environmental toxins and mental health is growing, studies specifically linking radon exposure to neural development are limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boys Town, United States
- Father Flanagan's Boys' Home — Boys Town, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Brittany — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Brittany
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.