Finding and stopping harmful N‑nitrosamines in homes
Project 4: Measurement and Engineering Solutions to Detect and Prevent N-Nitrosamine Exposure
Researchers will develop sensitive tests and home-safe fixes to find and remove tiny amounts of cancer-causing N‑nitrosamines from household water and air to help protect families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126775 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, the team is creating much more sensitive lab tests to spot many different N‑nitrosamine chemicals that current methods miss. They will collect water samples from homes and use new concentrating materials before analyzing them with advanced gas chromatography and mass spectrometry so even trace amounts can be identified and measured. The project also aims to design ways to destroy these chemicals at the point of use (for example, at taps or filters) so household exposure is reduced. Results will feed models that predict where exposures are highest so fixes can be targeted to affected communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are households or individuals worried about water or indoor air quality, especially those using private wells or living near industrial or contamination sources.
Not a fit: People with no detectable exposure to N‑nitrosamines or those seeking immediate medical treatment for unrelated conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower people's exposure to potent cancer-causing chemicals in their home water or air and reduce long-term health risks.
How similar studies have performed: Standard EPA methods detect only a few N‑nitrosamines at higher levels, so while the work builds on known chemical analysis techniques, the comprehensive detection of many compounds and point-of-use destruction is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plata, Desiree — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Plata, Desiree
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 below.