# Retrospective assessment of radon progeny and pollution effects in COPD

> **NIH NIH R21** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $202,946

## Abstract

Radon (Rn) is a radioactive gas that decays into radiation-emitting progenies capable of inducing cellular
damage once inhaled. Residential exposure to Rn is common; however, current health concerns and
regulations are based only on its effects as a lung carcinogen. It is not known whether exposure to Rn decay
products results in other, non-cancer, adverse health effects, as we propose in chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) patients. In this exploratory and developmental application, we will assess whether exposure
to Rn decay products, as assessed using lead-210 (210Pb), the progeny with the longest half-life, enhances the
toxicity (and health effects) of air pollution particles.
In 170 Eastern Massachusetts COPD patients, we have previously assessed indoor-home exposures to PM2.5
and black carbon by collecting up to four 7-day samples seasonally over the period of one year. Since 210Pb is
in equilibrium with alpha (α)-emitting progeny on archived PM2.5 filter samples, the measurement of total α-
radiation emitted from them will permit back-calculation of residential 210Pb levels (as a surrogate measure of
Rn progeny) present at the time of sampling. Therefore, we will investigate whether exposure to Rn progeny
(as210Pb) modifies (increases) the effect of PM2.5 and black carbon on: 1) plasma biomarkers of systemic
inflammation (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6); 2) urinary biomarkers of oxidative damage to lipids
(malondialdehyde) and DNA (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine); and 3) pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, and
FEV1/FVC). This research design encompasses a strong and novel exposure component linked to clinically
relevant and mechanistic outcomes. These are relevant to the health of COPD patients, which is a common
disease affecting approximately 11% of the US population older than age 55 years.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9980902
- **Project number:** 5R21ES029637-02
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** ERIC GARSHICK
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $202,946
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9980902

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9980902, Retrospective assessment of radon progeny and pollution effects in COPD (5R21ES029637-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9980902. Licensed CC0.

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