Effects of flame retardants on brain development and behavior

Neurodevelopmental effects of flame retardant exposure

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10793832

This study looks at how being exposed to flame retardants while growing up might affect anxiety and social behaviors, especially in prairie voles, to help us understand how these chemicals could influence similar issues in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10793832 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to flame retardants during development affects neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly anxiety and social behaviors. Using prairie voles, a species known for their social behaviors, the study examines how these chemicals impact anxiety levels and social interactions, with a focus on differences between male and female responses. The research aims to establish a clearer link between environmental chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, which has been challenging in previous studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of neurodevelopmental disorders or those concerned about the effects of environmental chemical exposures on their children.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have neurodevelopmental concerns or who have not been exposed to flame retardants may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to environmental exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental exposures can impact neurodevelopment, but this specific approach using prairie voles is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.