How prenatal air pollution affects brain development and ADHD risk in Puerto Rican children

Prenatal air pollution and neurodevelopment: a longitudinal neuroimaging study of mechanisms and early risk for ADHD in Puerto Rican children

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-10832672

This study is looking at how being exposed to air pollution during pregnancy might affect children's brain development and increase the risk of ADHD, especially in Puerto Rican families, so we can better understand how the environment impacts kids' health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10832672 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to air pollution on the neurodevelopment of children, specifically focusing on the risk of developing ADHD. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship, including maternal inflammation and sleep disruptions in offspring. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study will track brain development in children at different stages of early life while considering various socio-economic factors. The research will involve a cohort of Puerto Rican families, providing insights into how environmental factors influence child health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women living in areas with high air pollution levels, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose children are not within the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for ADHD in children exposed to air pollution during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown associations between air pollution and neurodevelopmental issues, but this research aims to explore these mechanisms in a novel and comprehensive way.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.