Investigating the health effects of exposure to harmful chemicals in urban environments
Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the air, like benzene and trichloroethylene, might affect the health of pregnant women and their babies, especially when it comes to preterm birth, and it's being done in Detroit, where these chemicals are a big concern.
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 ID | NIH-10867382 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and trichloroethylene affects maternal and offspring health, particularly concerning preterm birth. The Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) will conduct studies in Detroit, a city with high rates of preterm birth and significant VOC contamination from industrial sites. The research will explore how these exposures may trigger inflammatory responses that could lead to adverse health outcomes. By integrating environmental science and biomedical research, the project aims to identify exposure pathways and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women living in urban areas with known VOC contamination.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in areas affected by VOC contamination or who are not pregnant may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants by identifying and reducing harmful environmental exposures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that environmental exposures can significantly impact maternal and child health, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Runge-Morris, Melissa a — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Runge-Morris, Melissa a
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.