Radon Exposure and Stroke: How a Home Gas Might Influence Brain Vascular Health
Official title: The Epidemiology and Somatic Genomic Pathogenesis of Radon-Related Stroke
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11590631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether radon exposure in homes is linked to stroke risk and brain vascular problems in people across the United States.
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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $671,367 |
| NIH project number | 4R01ES034050-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11590631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults across the United States who live in homes with measurable radon exposure and have or are at risk for cerebrovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure data or those not at risk for stroke may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, and many strokes occur without a clear cause. This study will map home radon levels from 1986 to 2018 and examine how changes in radon exposure relate to the development of stroke and its precursors. Researchers will combine environmental data with health records to explore links between radon and brain vascular disease, aiming to identify potential prevention opportunities. The findings could inform public health recommendations to reduce radon exposure and protect brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better strategies to prevent stroke by reducing radon exposure in homes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest a possible link between radon and cerebrovascular outcomes, but comprehensive nationwide analyses are still needed, making this work a significant step forward.
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.