Investigating how different types of air pollution affect mortality rates.
Official title: Variations in long-term fine particulate matter air pollution associations with mortality by particle size, source, and composition
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10718385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how breathing in tiny air pollution particles over a long time affects the health and life expectancy of older adults, using data from a large group of people to help improve public health decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,348,885 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES035468-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10718385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living in urban areas who have been part of the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the NIH-AARP cohort or those living in rural areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution and mortality rates among older adults. By analyzing data from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, which includes over half a million participants, the study aims to understand how variations in particle size, source, and composition influence health outcomes. The researchers will enhance existing data by determining the specific PM2.5 exposures of participants and their associations with mortality, providing valuable insights for public health policy and decision-making.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate assessments of air pollution's impact on health, ultimately informing policies that protect vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established links between PM2.5 exposure and health outcomes, but this study aims to refine those estimates by considering variations in particle characteristics, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thurston, George Douglas — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Thurston, George Douglas
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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.