Investigating how air pollution affects emotional development and mental health risks.
The role of air pollution in emotional neurodevelopment and risk for psychiatric disorders
This study is looking at how air pollution, like tiny particles and nitrogen dioxide, affects the emotions and behaviors of kids and teens, especially focusing on how being exposed to this pollution before and during childhood might impact their brain development and mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10873864 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of outdoor air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, on emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. It aims to understand the long-term effects of prenatal and childhood exposure to air pollution on brain development and mental health. By using neuroimaging techniques, the study will identify biomarkers related to emotional processing and regulation. The goal is to uncover how these environmental factors contribute to the risk of psychiatric disorders during critical developmental stages.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution and may be at risk for emotional and behavioral issues.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to significant air pollution or who are not within the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for mental health disorders linked to environmental factors.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated a correlation between air pollution exposure and mental health issues, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herting, Megan Marie — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Herting, Megan Marie
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.