How black carbon exposure affects health disparities in different racial groups
Official title: Lung deposition dose of black carbon as a driver of health Disparities
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11067775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how black carbon, a type of air pollution, affects the health of Black Americans compared to White Americans, and it wants to find out if Black Americans are exposed to more harmful levels of this pollution, so we can better understand and address differences in air quality and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $114,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL173388-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black Americans who live in urban areas with high levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by high levels of black carbon pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health impacts of black carbon, a type of particulate matter, particularly focusing on how it affects Black Americans compared to White Americans. The study aims to understand the differences in lung deposition doses of black carbon and whether Black Americans are exposed to more harmful forms of this pollutant. By analyzing environmental exposure data and health outcomes, the research seeks to uncover the underlying reasons for racial-ethnic disparities in air quality and health. Patients may be involved in providing health data or participating in assessments related to air quality exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health policies and interventions that reduce harmful air pollution exposure for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing environmental health disparities can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes for affected populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leng, Shuguang — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Leng, Shuguang
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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.