PAHs (pollution from oil, industry, and fires) and community health
Official title: Center for the Science, Technology, and Emerging Health Risks of PAHs
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11360152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are learning how PAHs—pollutants from oil, industry, and wildfire smoke—affect the health of people living near contaminated sites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2009 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,059,856 |
| NIH project number | 5P42ES016465-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360152 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living near industrial sites, contaminated land, or areas affected by wildfire smoke—especially those with asthma or concerns about cancer risk—are the most relevant participants or beneficiaries.
✕Less likely to help
People without meaningful exposure to environmental PAHs or whose health problems are unrelated to inhaled or environmental carcinogens are unlikely to see direct benefit.
What this research studies
The center measures PAHs in air, soil, and water around contaminated sites and after events like wildfires. Scientists analyze the chemical makeup of complex PAH mixtures and track how cleanup or natural processes change those mixtures. Lab tests on cells and animals are used alongside environmental and community sampling to identify which mixtures and exposure levels cause harm. The team also works to trace likely pollutant sources so communities can reduce exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer safe-exposure limits, better cleanup plans, and reduced cancer and respiratory risks for exposed communities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked certain individual PAHs to cancer and respiratory problems, but examining complex environmental mixtures and tracing sources is less developed and this center aims to fill those gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tanguay, Robyn L — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Tanguay, Robyn L
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.