Lung effects of breathing toxins from algal blooms
Adverse Health Effects Following Exposure to Aerosolized Cyanotoxins
Researchers will look at how tiny airborne toxins from harmful algal blooms affect the lungs, especially in people with asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11364996 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have asthma, this project explores how tiny toxin particles from harmful algal blooms get into the air and affect your lungs. Scientists are focusing on two common microcystin toxins (MC-LR and MC-LA), studying aerosol samples, airway cells, and animal models to see how inhalation causes inflammation. The team is especially interested in neutrophil-driven airway inflammation that can worsen several asthma types. The goal is to connect laboratory findings to real-world lake exposures so future protections or treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with asthma or chronic airway inflammation who live near or recreate on lakes with harmful algal blooms or who have suspected exposure to aerosolized lake toxins.
Not a fit: People without airway disease or those never exposed to freshwater aerosol particles are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how algal bloom toxins trigger or worsen asthma and point to ways to prevent or treat exposure-related flare-ups.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal work shows related microcystins can cause airway inflammation, but the effects of aerosolized MC-LA in people remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haller, Steven T — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Haller, Steven T
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.