Developing sensors to monitor wood smoke exposure in wildland firefighters
Official title: Multiplexed Sensors for Biomonitoring of Wood Smoke Exposure among Wildland Firefighters
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-10912420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new, affordable sensors that can help wildland firefighters quickly check for harmful chemicals in wood smoke using their smartphones, so they can better understand the health risks they face and stay safer on the job.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $448,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R01OH012579-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are wildland firefighters who are regularly exposed to wood smoke and its associated contaminants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in firefighting or do not have occupational exposure to wood smoke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced sensors that can detect harmful substances in wood smoke, specifically for wildland firefighters. By developing a low-cost and sensitive biosensor system that connects to smartphones, the project aims to provide real-time analysis of exposure to dangerous chemicals. The goal is to better understand and quantify the health risks faced by firefighters, particularly regarding chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues and cancer. This innovative approach will help in identifying hazardous exposures and improving safety measures for those working in fire-prone environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce health risks for wildland firefighters by providing accurate monitoring of harmful exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing biosensors for environmental monitoring, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Dan — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Du, Dan
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.