October 2, 2025
Radon and Young Brains: Researching the Risks
You may know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide
. But could it also affect how children’ s brains develop, especially here in Nebraska? The short answer is yes, according to a researcher at Boys Town National Research Hospital.
“ Just in one small study, we had remarkablee results,” said Brittany K. Taylor, Ph. D., directorr of the Neurodiversity Laboratory at
Boys Town
National Research Hospital.“ It spurred a whole line of research I’ ve been working on for about six years now.”
Hidden Hazard
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. It’ s invisible, odorless and can seep into homes through the ground.
“ When my husband and I first moved to Nebraska, our realtor told us this is a high radon state, and you have to make sure you test for radon,” Dr. Taylor said. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency
’ s Map of Radon Zones shows that eastern Nebraskaa and all of Iowa have the highest potential of elevated indoor radon levels.
That fact sparked Dr. Taylor’ s curiosity.“ I started reading and was surprised just seeing what we did know— and how much we don’ t know— about radon.”