Investigating the health risks of air pollution from fine particulate matter.

PM2.5 Metals, Oxidative Potential, Exposure, and Risk Assessment (PM OPERA): A National Morbidity and Mortality Study

NIH-funded research Colorado State University · NIH-11141315

This study is looking at how tiny particles in the air, especially those that can harm your lungs and heart, affect people's health, particularly those who are more at risk, so we can better understand the dangers of breathing in polluted air.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141315 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) affects health, particularly in vulnerable populations. It examines the composition of PM2.5, including its metal content and oxidative potential, to assess its impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health. By analyzing how different communities experience exposure to these pollutants, the study aims to identify the health risks associated with both acute and chronic exposure. The methodology includes measuring the oxidative potential of PM2.5 and its relationship to health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds or underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Not a fit: Patients who live in regions with low air pollution levels or who do not have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and interventions to reduce the health impacts of air pollution.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that measuring the oxidative potential of PM2.5 can provide valuable insights into its health effects, indicating that this approach has been successful in related studies.

Where this research is happening

Fort Collins, 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 2026-06-13 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.