A wearable device to monitor air pollution during disasters
Official title: AirPen: A Wearable Sampler for Airborne Hazards in support of Disaster Response Research
Funded at Access Sensor Technologies, LLC · NIH-11068612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device called the AirPen that helps people keep track of air pollution during events like wildfires or dust storms, so they can stay safe and informed about the air quality around them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Access Sensor Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $305,260 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES037202-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068612 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas prone to climate-related disasters, such as wildfires or dust storms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in disaster-prone areas or those with no exposure to air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable device called the AirPen, designed to monitor and assess exposure to airborne pollutants during climate-related disasters. The device can be worn by individuals or set up as a stationary monitor to collect data on particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in real-time. By capturing this information, the AirPen aims to provide critical insights into air quality and potential health risks following events like wildfires or dust storms. The goal is to enhance disaster response efforts by equipping individuals and responders with reliable air quality data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve public health safety by providing timely information about air quality during disasters.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using wearable technology for environmental monitoring, indicating a promising approach for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Access Sensor Technologies, LLC
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tryner, Jessica — Access Sensor Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Tryner, Jessica
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.