Investigating how exposure to radioactive particles affects heart health.
Official title: A nationwide population-based study investigating the cardiovascular effects of exposure to particulate matter α-, β-, and γ-activities and individual radionuclides
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11061360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how breathing in tiny bits of radioactive material might affect heart health, especially for older adults on Medicare, to help everyone understand the connection between our environment and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $649,282 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035390-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions or those living in areas with high levels of particulate air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no exposure to particulate air pollution or those without cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of exposure to radioactive particulate matter on cardiovascular health across the United States. By analyzing data from the U.S. EPA Radiation Network, the study aims to understand both short- and long-term effects of these exposures on heart disease and related health issues. The research will focus on various metrics of radioactive exposure and their correlation with cardiovascular disease admissions, particularly among Medicare enrollees. Patients may benefit from insights into how environmental factors contribute to heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases linked to air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between air pollution and cardiovascular health, but this research aims to explore the specific effects of radioactive particulate matter, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanobetti, Antonella — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Zanobetti, Antonella
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.