Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke's Effect on How Long People Live

Impact of Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke on Life Expectancy

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11093509

This research looks at how extreme heat and wildfire smoke might affect how long adults live, especially focusing on long-term health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093509 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We know that extreme heat and wildfires can cause immediate health problems, but we don't fully understand their long-term effects on life expectancy. This project uses information from a large group of adults, called the Multiethnic Cohort Study, to understand these long-term impacts. We will look at how these environmental factors, along with other things like air pollution and a person's health habits, might influence how long someone lives. The goal is to also learn about the biological changes that happen in the body due to these exposures, which could help identify people most at risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant to adults, particularly those living in areas affected by extreme heat and wildfire smoke, especially in California.

Not a fit: Patients not exposed to extreme heat or wildfire smoke may not directly benefit from the findings of this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand the long-term health risks of extreme weather events and identify ways to protect vulnerable groups.

How similar studies have performed: While acute effects are known, the long-term consequences of extreme heat and wildfires on life expectancy are not well understood, making this a novel area of focus.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.