Health effects of the Maui fire on children and adults
Official title: Mental and Respiratory Health Impacts of the Maui WUI Fire in Children and Adults
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11021352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Maui wildfires in August 2023 affected the mental and breathing health of people who were forced to leave their homes, comparing them to those who weren't impacted, to help us understand the long-term health effects of being exposed to harmful smoke and chemicals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $253,070 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES036925-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children and adults who were displaced by the Maui fire, as well as individuals from non-affected households for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not affected by the Maui fire and do not reside in the surrounding areas may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mental and respiratory health impacts of the devastating Maui wildland-urban interface fire that occurred in August 2023. It aims to assess the health outcomes of individuals displaced by the fire compared to those from unaffected households. Participants, including children and adults, will undergo evaluations of respiratory symptoms, lung function, and mental health using specialized assessment tools. The study seeks to understand the long-term health implications of exposure to toxic compounds released during the fire.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the health effects of environmental disasters, leading to improved health interventions for affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on the health impacts of environmental disasters has shown significant health effects, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Junfeng — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Junfeng
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.