Portable sensors to measure wood smoke exposure in wildland firefighters
Multiplexed Sensors for Biomonitoring of Wood Smoke Exposure among Wildland Firefighters
This project develops a low-cost, smartphone-linked sensor system to measure wood-smoke chemicals in wildland firefighters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a wildland firefighter, this project aims to provide a simple, field-ready device that can detect multiple wood-smoke biomarkers at very low levels. The team is building a multiplex biosensor that connects to a smartphone for quick readouts and uses an easy sampling method that can be done during or after shifts. Researchers will test the sensors in real-world firefighting settings to check sensitivity and accuracy. Findings will help track exposures and support efforts to reduce long-term health risks from smoke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are wildland firefighters and other field fire crews who are routinely exposed to wood smoke during training or fire response.
Not a fit: People without occupational wood-smoke exposure, such as non-field staff or the general public, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, firefighters could get fast, low-cost measurements of wood smoke exposure to guide protective actions and long-term health monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: Some portable exposure monitors exist, but multiplexed, smartphone-linked biosensors for low-level wood-smoke biomarkers are relatively new and still undergoing validation.
Where this research is happening
Pullman, United States
- Washington State University — Pullman, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Dan (Annie) — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Du, Dan (Annie)
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.