Investigating how radon exposure may contribute to stroke risk
Official title: The Epidemiology and Somatic Genomic Pathogenesis of Radon-Related Stroke
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10580385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into whether being exposed to radon in your home might increase the chances of having a stroke, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how environmental factors could affect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,995,257 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES034050-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced strokes or are at risk for cerebrovascular diseases, particularly those living in areas with known radon exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of stroke or cerebrovascular issues and live in radon-free environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential link between radon exposure and the incidence of stroke, particularly focusing on the environmental factors that may contribute to cerebrovascular disease. The study aims to analyze historical radon exposure levels in homes across the United States and their association with stroke occurrences. By examining data from 1986 to 2018, the researchers will assess how changes in radon levels may correlate with stroke incidents, thereby identifying potential risk factors that have been previously overlooked. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to effective strategies for reducing radon exposure and its health impacts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for stroke related to radon exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While radon's role in lung cancer is well-established, research on its association with stroke is still emerging, indicating that this approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitsel, Eric a. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Whitsel, Eric a.
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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.