How radon exposure affects mental health in young people
Official title: 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
Funded at Father Flanagan's Boys' Home · NIH-10807061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $203,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035146-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10807061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youths living in homes with high radon levels, particularly those showing signs of emotional or cognitive difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
Boys Town, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Brittany — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Brittany
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
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.