Evaluation of radon progeny and air pollution effects in asthma

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Research: Children exposed to indoor air pollution are known to more likely develop asthma, and in those with asthma, indoor air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms. Radon (Rn), a radioactive gas known for its lung cancer effects, decays into radiation-emitting progeny which has potential to induce cellular damage once inhaled. While residential Rn exposure is common, less is known about the non-cancer health effects of Rn decay products. Current health regulations and priorities are based solely on its carcinogenic effects in the lung. Indoor exposure to radon has been recently associated with COPD morbidity and mortality and an increased risk for hospital admissions. Given the association linking residential Rn exposure to COPD morbidity, in this exploratory application, we propose adverse health effects associated with Rn decay products via particle radioactivity in asthma morbidity, a common condition of obstructive lung disease in the pediatric population. Candidate: Dr. Banzon’s long-term goal is to become an independent NIH-funded investigator focused on the role of assessing the physical environment with a specific focus on air pollution and asthma morbidity in inner- city children. This proposal details a five-year project to provide Dr. Banzon the training and expertise necessary to study the effects of radon progeny and particle radioactivity in asthma by measuring its health effects in an established cohort of inner-city children with asthma enrolled in the School Inner-City Asthma Study (PI: Phipatanakul). Her aim is to identify a novel and modifiable environmental exposure that contributes to asthma morbidity in children. The findings have potential to aid in the design of public health intervention trials, directly inform activities regarding radon mitigation as an intervention to alleviate disability from asthma, and identify biomarkers associated with particle radioactivity which may help phenotype patients and help predict those who may have a more favorable response to personalized asthma treatment based on biomarkers. Environment: Dr. Banzon will be mentored by Dr. Phipatanakul, an expert in epidemiology, clinical trials, and clinical investigation in asthma and allergic diseases. She has assembled an extraordinary team of advisors, including Drs. Petros Koutrakis, Jonathan Gaffin, and Brett Coull, who have committed their time, resources, and expertise to facilitate Dr. Banzon’s career development and successful completion of the proposed project. During this award period, Dr. Banzon will complete complementary coursework through the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Catalyst Program, with a focus to hone on her skills in environmental epidemiology targeted toward air pollution and childhood asthma. The academic environment created by the mentor, institution, Harvard University, and its affiliates provides fertile ground for learning and collaborating specific to her research. Dr. Banzon will emerge an expert in the field of environmental epidemiology, with a unique understanding of the physical environmental that will shape her into a successful independent investigator.