The effects of air pollution on male-biased psychiatric disorders in youth

Air Pollution and Male-Biased Psychiatric Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-10880513

This study is looking at how breathing in polluted air while growing up might lead to mental health issues, especially in boys, like schizophrenia and autism, by using animal models to see how it affects their brains and behavior.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880513 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to air pollution during development may lead to psychiatric disorders that are more common in males, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Using animal models, the study examines the neurological and behavioral changes caused by inhaling ultrafine particles found in polluted air. The researchers aim to understand the biological mechanisms behind these changes and how they may differ between sexes, focusing on factors like inflammation and copper levels in the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing symptoms of psychiatric disorders or have been exposed to high levels of air pollution.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 12-20 or do not have any psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders linked to air pollution in children and adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated a connection between air pollution and psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.