How wildfire smoke affects human health and DNA changes
Official title: The Impact of Wildfire Exposure on the Human Methylome and Health
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11038555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in smoke from wildfires might change our DNA and affect our health, and it's for about 5,000 adults in the East Bay area of California who want to help us understand the long-term risks of wildfire smoke exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2025 |
| Project end | March 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $567,093 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES037100-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been exposed to wildfire smoke in the past few years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to wildfire smoke or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure, focusing on how it affects DNA through epigenetic changes. By studying a diverse group of around 5,000 adults from the East Bay area of California, the research aims to identify biomarkers that indicate health risks associated with wildfire smoke. Participants will have their health data and biological samples analyzed over time to understand the long-term effects of exposure. The study seeks to uncover critical links between environmental factors and health outcomes, particularly in relation to chronic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the health impacts of air pollution, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barcellos, Lisa F — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Barcellos, Lisa F
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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.