Detecting benzene in the air to prevent health risks
Official title: High-Sensitivity Benzene Detector for Environmental Field Surveys
Funded at Physical Sciences, INC · NIH-10920888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use device that can quickly and accurately measure benzene levels in the air, helping to keep people safe from this harmful chemical that can cause leukemia, especially in busy city areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Physical Sciences, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Andover, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $294,253 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES036478-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in urban areas with high levels of air pollution or those concerned about environmental exposure to benzene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas with significant benzene exposure or who are not at risk for conditions related to air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a high-sensitivity detector for benzene, a harmful chemical linked to leukemia, to monitor air quality in real-time. The project aims to create a user-friendly instrument that can continuously measure benzene levels in various environments, including urban areas. By improving the ability to track benzene emissions, the research seeks to enhance public health by reducing exposure to this carcinogen. The initial phase involves creating a prototype and testing its effectiveness outdoors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce exposure to benzene, thereby lowering the risk of cancer and improving overall public health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in developing air quality monitoring technologies, indicating potential for this novel approach to effectively measure benzene levels.
Where this research is happening
-
Physical Sciences, INC
Andover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shin-Juh — Physical Sciences, INC
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shin-Juh
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.