Monday, May 19, 2025
5/19/2025
Air Pollution, Environmental Injustice and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis - Project Summary Air Pollution, Environmental Injustice and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is a severe, fatal complication of interstitial lung disease (ILD). For patients who develop PPF, mortality is high and treatment options are limited. The cause of PPF is unknown. Research suggests that exposure to components of air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with an increased incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis- a subtype of ILD similarly characterized by rapid fibrotic progression. However, whether exposure to air pollution leads to a similar increase in the risk for PPF has not been studied. As a result of environmental injustice, individuals living in neighborhoods with a high social vulnerability index face a disproportionate exposure to ambient air pollution. Because of this, residents in these neighborhoods may have an increased risk of PPF. Dr. MacMurdo is a specialist in occupational and environmental interstitial lung disease at the Cleveland Clinic. Her research aims to combine patient centered geospatial mapping techniques with advanced modeling approaches to better understand the interaction between individual, exposure, and environment. Through this proposal she aims to leverage a unique, previously developed cohort of patients with ILD to investigate: (Aim 1): The relative and combined impact of air pollution exposure and social vulnerability on the incidence of PPF in patients with ILD, and (Aim 2) The exposure to occupational and indoor air pollution experienced by patients with ILD who develop PPF, and how health behaviors and neighborhood level factors may impact this exposure. This award will provide an outstanding training vehicle for Dr. MacMurdo’s development into an independent, NIH funded patient-oriented researcher, poised for leadership in investigations at the intersection of air pollution, environmental injustice, and respiratory health. It will also identify mechanisms to improve health outcomes for patients with ILD. Quantifying the impact of ambient air pollution exposure on the risk of PPF will provide evidence to support interventions to reduce individual exposure to ambient air pollution in patients with ILD. Identifying neighborhood factors associated with an increased risk of PPF will guide work to develop mechanisms to increase access to specialist ILD care.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).