Impact of VOCs in Pregnancy on Baby and Mom’s Health
Official title: Impact of BTEX Chemical Exposure During Pregnancy to Maternal and Fetal Well-Being
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11394819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how exposure to airborne chemicals during pregnancy could affect a mom’s health and a baby’s growth and immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $307,091 |
| NIH project number | 5P42ES030991-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Expectant mothers in communities with high exposure to VOCs and their newborns may be eligible to benefit from findings or future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals not exposed to VOCs or without inflammation at the placental interface may see less direct benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Researchers at Wayne State University are studying how exposure to volatile organic compounds during pregnancy may influence placental inflammation and the developing fetal immune system, with a focus on potential links to preterm birth and early-life health. The work uses human data and samples to uncover signaling pathways and mechanisms at the placental interface that could shape infant immune responses after birth. Findings could guide strategies to reduce harmful exposures during pregnancy and improve outcomes for mothers and babies in communities with higher exposure risk. The project builds on preliminary results suggesting that the type and severity of immune inflammation at the placenta may determine fetal and neonatal health trajectories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform public health interventions to reduce VOC exposure during pregnancy and help prevent adverse birth outcomes and immune-related issues in early childhood.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked environmental exposures to placental inflammation and altered infant immune outcomes, supporting the plausibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mor, Gil G — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Mor, Gil G
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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.