Ambient air pollution and asthma – Two large NIEHS-funded studies show an association between decreases in levels of air pollutants and improvements in lung function along with reductions in asthma symptoms . 12,13 The findings underscore the importance of air pollution reduction policies and strategies on improved air quality and health .
NIEHS-funded , large-scale studies
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E-Cigs and Smoking – This study is developing new biomarkers , measurable substances in the body that indicate disease , of tobacco smoke exposure or e- cigarette use . Gulf Long-term Follow Up Study ( GuLF ) – This study looks at health effects in workers and volunteers who helped with the oil spill response and clean-up following the Deepwater Horizon disaster .
� Natural History of Asthma with Longitudinal Environmental Sampling ( NHALES ) – This study seeks understanding of how bacteria and other factors in the environment affect people who have moderate to severe asthma .
Further Reading
Stories from the Environmental Factor ( NIEHS newsletter )
� Biomarker Suggests Severity of COVID-19 Respiratory Distress ( May 2021 )
� Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals May Affect Lung Health ( May 2021 )
� Intense Allergic Asthma Mechanism Discovered in Mice ( May 2021 )
� Chronic Lung Disease Responds to Hyaluronan in NIEHS-led Study ( March 2021 )
� Vaping Has Measurable Effects on the Body , Unclear If Safer than Smoking ( November 2019 )
� Aging and Cell Stress Harm DNA in Similar Ways ( July 2019 )
� How Environmental Exposures Impact Women ’ s Health ( May 2018 )
� Girl Scouts Learn About Lung Power Thanks to NIEHS Ambassador ( December 2017 )
� Floods , Mold , and Health – Worker Training Program Answers the Call ( October 2017 )
Press Releases
� NIH Study Illuminates Origins of Lung Cancer in Never Smokers ( Sept . 6 , 2021 ) – Study insights will help unlock the mystery of how lung cancer arises in people who have never smoked . The results may guide development of more precise clinical treatments . The study was conducted by the Intramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute and NIEHS .