Effects of prenatal wildfire exposure on child development

Molecular and Neurodevelopmental Alterations Associated with Prenatal Wildfire Exposures

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11134344

This study looks at how breathing in wildfire smoke while pregnant might impact how children grow and develop, especially their brain and behavior, to help expectant parents understand the potential risks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11134344 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy may affect the development of children, particularly focusing on neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes. It examines the mechanisms by which prenatal exposure to air pollution and particulate matter can disrupt immune regulation and fetal brain development. The study utilizes animal models to explore the long-term impacts of these exposures, aiming to provide insights into the potential risks associated with wildfires for pregnant individuals and their children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have been exposed to wildfire smoke or live in areas affected by wildfires.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to wildfire smoke may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of wildfire smoke on pregnant individuals and their children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant impacts of environmental exposures on pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that this research builds on established findings but focuses specifically on wildfire smoke, making it a novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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.