Tracking radon exposure and its effects on attention and immune function across ages
Official title: The TRAIL Study: Tracking Radon exposure, Attention abilities, and Immune function Longitudinally
Funded at Father Flanagan's Boys' Home · NIH-11375412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study follows people from children to adults to understand how home radon exposure might affect attention, brain activity, and immune markers over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | May 20, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $671,992 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038147-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants include individuals across age groups (children to adults) living in homes with varying radon exposure levels and who are available for long-term follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Participants with minimal exposure or those not completing follow-up may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This longitudinal study will recruit participants across a wide age range to measure radon exposure in homes and track changes in attention, brain function, and immune system signals. The researchers will collect environmental radon data, conduct neurocognitive assessments, and analyze inflammatory biomarkers to explore how exposure may influence development and behavior. By following participants over several years, the project aims to map trajectories of neurocognitive and immunological changes related to radon, with a focus on identifying vulnerable periods and potential mechanisms. Results could inform public health guidelines and strategies to reduce exposure and protect neurodevelopment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to clearer guidance on radon risk and strategies to protect children and adults from neurocognitive and inflammatory effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown associations between radon exposure and changes in brain activity and inflammatory markers, but long-term linked neurocognitive trajectories remain to be defined.
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
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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.