Neurodevelopmental effects of flame retardant exposure (in humans/animals)
Official title: Neurodevelopmental effects of flame retardant exposure
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11408716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Flame retardants given during development may change brain development and social anxiety, with stronger effects seen in females, using animal models that mimic human social behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,118 |
| NIH project number | 5U01ES035843-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for neurodevelopmental or anxiety-related conditions and families affected by exposure to flame retardants, though this grant primarily uses animal models.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits to patients may be limited for now, as findings come from preclinical models, but could influence future prevention and intervention strategies.
What this research studies
This project studies how early exposure to flame retardants could shape neurodevelopment and social-emotional outcomes. Researchers use the prairie vole model to observe sex-specific changes in anxiety, social interaction, and bonding, aiming to connect environmental exposure to human-like behavioral endpoints. The work combines behavioral testing with neural analyses to identify brain regions and mechanisms involved. Findings could help explain why some individuals develop anxiety-related disorders linked to early chemical exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could inform safer use of consumer products and guide public health strategies to reduce environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in animal models has shown sex-specific brain and behavioral changes after developmental chemical exposure, supporting the relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meitzen, John — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Meitzen, John
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.