How maternal e-cigarette exposure affects addiction in children

Effects of maternal e-cigarette aerosol exposure on nicotine's addiction-related behavioral and neurobiological effects in offspring

NIH-funded research Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute · NIH-11048991

This study looks at how being around e-cigarette smoke during pregnancy might affect a child's behavior and brain development, especially in terms of attention and impulse control, to help understand the risks for moms and their babies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHennepin Healthcare Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048991 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of maternal exposure to e-cigarette aerosols during pregnancy on the behavior and brain development of offspring. Using animal models, the study aims to understand how nicotine and other chemicals in e-cigarettes may lead to addiction-related behaviors and neurobiological changes in children. The research focuses on the potential long-term consequences of prenatal exposure to electronic nicotine delivery systems, particularly concerning impulsivity and attention disorders like ADHD. By examining these effects, the study seeks to fill a critical gap in knowledge regarding the risks associated with e-cigarette use during pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who use e-cigarettes and their children, particularly those under the age of 11.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or are not pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for addiction-related issues in children exposed to e-cigarettes in utero.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on e-cigarettes, studies on maternal smoking have shown significant adverse effects on child development, suggesting that similar risks may exist with e-cigarette use.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.