Investigating the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure on people and animals
Official title: Wildland Urban Interface Exposure Toxicity in Cells, Animals, and Humans
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11119698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in smoke from wildfires can affect our health, especially for people living near forests and cities, and it hopes to help us understand the risks better so we can stay safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $282,358 |
| NIH project number | 3R01ES035878-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals living in areas prone to wildfires, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in wildfire-prone areas or who do not have respiratory issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to smoke from wildfires affects human health and the environment. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, the study aims to analyze toxicological impacts from wildfire events, particularly in areas where urban and wildland environments meet. The research will involve collecting and examining data on various chemical exposures and their effects on lung function and overall health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health guidelines and interventions for those affected by wildfire smoke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the health impacts of environmental exposures, such as wildfire smoke, can lead to significant advancements in public health strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rager, Julia — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Rager, Julia
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.