Metals in wildfire smoke and brain inflammation
Contaminant Metal Content in Wildfire Smoke and Neuroinflammation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11286840
This project looks at whether metals carried in wildfire smoke cause inflammation in the brain and how that inflammation changes over time, with a focus on exposures near old mining and nuclear sites.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11286840 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers collect samples from wildfire smoke and burned wood near legacy mine and uranium sites and measure metal contamination that people and responders may inhale. They expose laboratory animals to real wildfire smoke from recent fires and examine brain and blood vessel cells for signs of inflammation and later recovery. The team also analyzes urine and other biomarkers from first responders and local communities to link metal exposure to biological effects. Together these field, animal, and lab studies aim to show which metals drive inflammation and how the brain and blood vessels adapt after repeated smoke exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live or work near wildfires—especially firefighters, first responders, and residents near former mining or uranium sites—would be the most relevant candidates to donate samples or join related human studies.
Not a fit: People without meaningful wildfire smoke exposure or whose health problems stem from unrelated causes are unlikely to gain direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help clarify health risks from contaminated wildfire smoke and guide protections, monitoring, and treatments for exposed communities and responders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work, including the team's studies after the 2020 California wildfires, has shown that wildfire smoke can trigger brain inflammation in mice, but tying specific contaminant metals to human effects remains relatively new.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CAMPEN, MATTHEW J — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: CAMPEN, MATTHEW J
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.