Investigating the health effects of wildland fire smoke on air pollution

Spatial Causal Inference for Wildland Fire Smoke Effects on Air Pollution and Health

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10557234

This study is looking at how smoke from wildfires affects air quality and our health, and it’s designed for anyone who wants to understand the risks of breathing in that smoke, especially those living near fire-prone areas.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10557234 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how smoke from wildland fires contributes to air pollution and the associated health risks. By utilizing spatially-correlated observational data and advanced causal inference methods, the study aims to quantify the health burden caused by fire smoke and evaluate preventative measures. The project also incorporates data from a citizen science initiative, allowing community members to report their experiences with fire smoke through a smartphone app, which enhances data collection and public engagement. The research addresses the complexities of spatial data and aims to provide insights into mitigating health impacts from air pollution.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas affected by wildland fires or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions exacerbated by air pollution.

Not a fit: Patients who do not live in regions impacted by wildland fires or who do not have health conditions related to air pollution may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and policies to reduce the health risks associated with air pollution from wildland fire smoke.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using causal inference methods to study environmental health impacts, but the specific focus on wildland fire smoke and its spatial effects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.