The effects of wildfires on infant health

Wildfires and Infant Health

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11001574

This study looks at how smoke from wildfires, which are happening more often because of climate change, might affect the health of babies, especially things like their weight at birth and how long they stay in the womb.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001574 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how wildfires, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, affect the health of infants. It focuses on the air pollutants produced by wildfires and their potential impact on birth outcomes, such as birth weight and gestational age. By analyzing data from various sources, including satellite observations and hospital records, the study aims to understand the patterns of exposure and health outcomes in infants during and after wildfire events. The research will provide insights into the risks associated with air pollution from wildfires, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include infants and pregnant individuals living in areas affected by wildfires.

Not a fit: Patients who live in regions not impacted by wildfires or those who are not in the prenatal or infant age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies to protect infants from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that air pollution from various sources can adversely affect health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

College Park, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.