How extreme weather and air pollution affect preterm birth
Official title: Extreme temperature, humidity, air pollution and spontaneous preterm birth
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11145148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like very hot or humid weather and air pollution might lead to early births, and it's for expectant parents in the Northeast US who want to understand how their environment could affect their baby's arrival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,256 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES031295-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals living in areas with varying levels of temperature, humidity, and air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living in regions with stable environmental conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between extreme temperature, humidity, and air pollution and the occurrence of spontaneous preterm births. By utilizing advanced satellite measurements, the study will create detailed exposure records at the neighborhood level across the Northeast US. It aims to analyze how these environmental factors contribute to the risk of preterm labor by examining data from a comprehensive statewide administrative database. The research will focus on the days leading up to preterm deliveries to identify potential environmental triggers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for spontaneous preterm births.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established a link between air pollution and preterm birth, but this study's focus on extreme weather events is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Just, Allan C. — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Just, Allan C.
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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.