Investigating how air pollution and temperature affect children's brain development
Official title: A national study on the effects of air pollution and temperature on children's neurodevelopmental outcomes
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11088980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how air pollution and temperature changes might affect the brain development of children, especially those with autism and ADHD, and it aims to understand how these factors, along with family income, can influence their growth during pregnancy and early childhood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $717,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034038-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those who may be at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have any neurodevelopmental concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of air pollution and temperature on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children, particularly focusing on conditions like autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By analyzing data from a large birth cohort, the study aims to quantify the effects of various pollutants and temperature changes during prenatal and early childhood periods. The research will also explore how socioeconomic status may influence these associations, providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors affecting child development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing environmental risks to children's neurodevelopment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between environmental factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papatheodorou, Stefania — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Papatheodorou, Stefania
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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.