Community outreach on pollution and health in Houston
Core B: Community Engagement Core (CEC)
Connecting people who live near the Houston Ship Channel and other Superfund sites with researchers to reduce pollution-related risks like preterm birth, lung disease, and brain problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11388609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your neighbors would be invited to share concerns and experiences about local pollution and health, and the team will use that input to guide outreach and research priorities. The core organizes meetings, education, and two-way communication so residents learn about contaminants like PAHs and mercury and how they might affect pregnancy and long-term health. It also helps identify at-risk groups, supports collection of community-relevant information or samples, and helps translate scientific findings into practical advice. The goal is to make research more responsive to community needs and help people access resources to lower exposure risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are residents of Houston/Harris County—especially people living near the Houston Ship Channel or Superfund sites, including pregnant people and those with chronic lung or neurological concerns.
Not a fit: People who do not live in the affected Houston-area neighborhoods or who are seeking direct clinical treatment rather than community engagement and education are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this core.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help communities near contaminated sites better understand and reduce pollution exposures that contribute to preterm birth and chronic respiratory or neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Community-engagement programs in other contaminated areas have helped identify exposures and improve local outreach, though demonstrating reduced disease outcomes typically requires longer-term follow-up.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hallberg, Lance Michael — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hallberg, Lance Michael
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 below.