Neighborhood air pollution, zoning, and asthma disparities
Urban planning, siting of air pollution sources, and asthma disparities
This project looks at how where pollution sources are placed and local zoning might lead to higher asthma rates for children and adults in minority neighborhoods in Texas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224049 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map fixed and mobile air pollution sources across Texas and use models to estimate pollution levels in neighborhoods. They will compare those pollution patterns with neighborhood racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic data and with childhood asthma patterns to find sources linked to disparities. The team will also study how zoning rules in Travis County affect where pollution sources are located. The goal is to produce evidence that can guide urban planning and regulation to better protect children and families from harmful pollution.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Families and children living with asthma in Texas—especially those in neighborhoods with higher percentages of racial and ethnic minority residents—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without asthma, those living outside Texas, or patients whose asthma is driven primarily by non-environmental causes are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify specific pollution sources and zoning changes that help reduce childhood asthma in affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked air pollution and environmental injustice to asthma, but directly tying specific pollution sources and zoning rules to childhood asthma disparities is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matsui, Elizabeth C. — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Matsui, Elizabeth C.
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.