Early-life air pollution and children's brain development
Official title: Early Life Air Pollution Exposures as a Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11176833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether breathing tiny air pollution particles before and shortly after birth changes brain metal levels and inflammation in ways that could raise the risk of autism, ADHD, or related childhood brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,238,988 |
| NIH project number | 4R35ES031689-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is most relevant to expectant parents, infants, and families with children at risk for or diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, especially in areas with high air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Adults with long-established neurodevelopmental conditions or patients whose conditions stem purely from known genetic causes may not see direct benefits from this preclinical research.
What this research studies
Researchers expose newborn mice to concentrated ultrafine air pollution particles that mimic late-pregnancy exposure in humans and then measure behavior, brain metal levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress. They will test whether metals carried on these particles (for example iron, copper, and sulfur) cause metal imbalance in the brain, trigger inflammatory damage, and lead to behavioral features similar to autism and ADHD, with attention to why males may be more affected. The team uses behavioral testing, brain chemistry and pathology, and molecular markers of ferroptosis and oxidative stress to trace how inhaled particles could produce neurodevelopmental changes. Results are intended to clarify relevance to people and point to potential prevention or treatment targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific pollutant metals and inflammatory pathways that raise the risk of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, guiding prevention efforts and new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Epidemiological studies and prior mouse experiments have linked air pollution to autism and ADHD-like outcomes, but the focus on pollutant-driven brain metal imbalance and ferroptosis is a newer and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
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University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cory-Slechta, Deborah a — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Cory-Slechta, Deborah a
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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.