Impact of air pollution and temperature on health in rural southern communities
Air Pollution, Heat, Cold, and Health: Disparities in the Rural South
This study looks at how air pollution and extreme temperatures impact the health of people living in rural Appalachian communities, especially those from racial and ethnic minority groups, to better understand the unique challenges they face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11064876 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how air pollution and extreme temperatures affect the health of rural populations, particularly focusing on racial and ethnic minority groups in the Appalachian region. It aims to identify the unique environmental health burdens faced by these communities, which are often overlooked in urban-centric studies. By examining the health outcomes related to air quality and temperature extremes, the research seeks to fill significant gaps in understanding how these factors contribute to health disparities in rural settings. The methodology includes analyzing health data and environmental conditions to assess the risks associated with air pollution and temperature variations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include residents of rural southern communities, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, who may be affected by air pollution and extreme temperatures.
Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those not experiencing significant environmental health burdens may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health policies and interventions that better protect rural populations from environmental health risks.
How similar studies have performed: While research on urban populations has shown significant health impacts from air pollution and temperature extremes, this study is novel as it focuses specifically on rural communities, which have been underrepresented in existing literature.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bell, Michelle L — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Bell, Michelle L
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 below.