Investigating the health effects of wildfires on firefighters and communities
Official title: Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Exposures, Effects, and Interventions: A Collaborative Research-to-Action Partnership with Firefighters
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11042142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how wildfires affect health, especially for firefighters who are often exposed to harmful smoke, and it will use cool tools like wristbands and urine tests to find ways to keep them safer and healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $784,185 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035965-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include firefighters and residents living in areas prone to wildfires.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in firefighting or do not live in wildfire-prone areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the health impacts of wildfires, particularly in areas where urban and wildland environments meet. It aims to measure exposure to harmful substances found in woodsmoke, such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, using innovative methods like silicone wristbands and urine analysis. The study will involve firefighters, who are at high risk of exposure, to identify effective interventions that can reduce health risks associated with firefighting activities. By analyzing biological markers, the research seeks to uncover both immediate and long-term health effects of these exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety measures and health outcomes for firefighters and communities affected by wildfires.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that monitoring exposure to environmental toxins can lead to significant improvements in health interventions, suggesting a promising approach in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burgess, Jefferey L. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Burgess, Jefferey L.
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.