Four new clean air research centers are to be established at universities to conduct cutting edge air pollution research.

The EPA has awarded $32 million to fund four new clean air research centers at universities for the purpose of studying air pollution health effects. It is important to understand the health risks associated with exposure to multiple air pollutants because people are exposed to more than one pollutant at a time.

“These centers are critical to understanding how to improve air quality and protect Americans’ health from complex mixtures of air pollutants,” said Dr. Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The centers will focus on important scientific questions remaining in air research.”

Each center will receive approximately $8 million over five years. They are located at:

• Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga.
• Harvard University, Boston, Mass.
• Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
• University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.

The research centers will explore the health impacts on children and older citizens to determine what health effects occur at different life stages. The centers also will study those most susceptible to air pollution, including people with pre-existing conditions and people living in communities where there are greater health risks associated with air pollution. A myriad of health effects ranging from cardiovascular and pulmonary problems to neurological and inflammation outcomes will also be examined.

More information is available at this URL link.