Study Opportunities & Details

HEAL Study

Enrollment is Open

What is HEAL?

HEAL stands for “Health Effects of Social, Environmental, and Lifestyle Factors Study”, under IRB # 24-0811. 

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of this research study is to learn how social factors together with the quality of your environment can impact your health. This study involves collecting information on social factors, lifestyle, diseases, and neighborhood characteristics, assessing air quality at home, and measuring substances in blood and saliva samples called “biomarkers of health”. Biomarkers are naturally produced by the human body; their levels can change in response to stress and disease. We will not sequence your DNA and will not characterize your genetic inheritance. The human body’s response to chronic social stress and environmental pollution can make people more likely to develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to take part in the study if you are:

• An adult of at least 18 years of age.
• Live in one of the designated study areas.
• Can communicate in English fluently and read study materials in English.
• Have lived at your current address for at least six months.

What will I be asked to do?

• Call EPA and complete pre-study screening.
• Receive sampling supplies and shipping container by mail.
• Complete a questionnaire.
• Collect two saliva samples for analysis of biomarkers of health.
• Collect two capillary blood samples from the upper arm using specially designed sampling devices (Tasso+) with suction cups for analysis of biomarker of health.
• Collect one indoor air sample (optional) in your bedroom over 1 week using a passive diffusion sampler with a special sorbent that captures organic air pollutants from indoor and outdoor sources. You can opt out of collecting an air sample. 
• Place your samples in a shipping container with frozen ice packs, attach a pre-paid FedEx shipping label, and drop the container into a FedEx drop box.  

How long will it take?

You will spend approximately 2 hours 20 min of your time completing all required procedures if you don’t collect an air sample and 3 hours if you also collect an optional air sample. 

What will I get for volunteering?

You will receive $ 100 for collecting blood and saliva samples and completing a questionnaire. If you also collect an optional indoor air sample, you will receive an additional $ 50 for a total of $150. 

How can I sign up or get more information?

Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm EDT. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an email to recruitment for EPA Studies

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB # 24-0811 | [email protected] | (919) 966-3113.

CRU-BRONCHOSCOPY

Enrollment is Open

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of this study is to acquire cells from both blood and lungs for further test tube studies of environmental agents. This study is classified under IRB Study #91-0679.

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to be in the study if you

• Are between the ages of 18 to 40, and 
• Do not smoke, and
• Are healthy, OR
• Have mild asthma and are healthy otherwise.

What will I be asked to do?

• Have a free physical exam
• Take part in breathing tests
• Have blood drawn through a small intravenous(IV) tube
• Undergo a bronchoscopy procedure [link to explanation provided]

How long will it take?

• After screening there will be one 4-hour visit, but
• You must stay in the local area for 48 hours after the study

What will I get for volunteering?

• If you complete the procedure, we will pay you approximately $475

How can I sign up or get more information?

Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm EDT. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an email to recruitment for EPA Studies

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #91-0679.

LOCONOZ II Study

Enrollment is Open

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of this study is to measure how people react when they exercise while breathing low levels of ozone. Ozone is a common pollutant that EPA believes may be harmful at much higher levels. This study will look at whether healthy young adults are affected by exposure to ozone concentrations at the US EPA standard. This study is classified under IRB Study #21-3193.

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to be in the study if you are:

• Are between 18 and 35,
• Do not smoke,
• Do not have asthma or other health problems,
• Are fit and can exercise for 50 minutes at a moderate to high intensity level multiple times.

What will I be asked to do?

• Have a free physical exam
• Take part in several different breathing tests, including spirometry (explanation link provided)
• Have your heart rate (explanation link provided) monitored
• Use an exercise bike and treadmill during testing
• Come in for a training visit and provide a sputum sample (explanation link provided)

How long will it take?

• After screening there will be up to 3 visits, including 1 training visit, 2 all day exposure sessions.
• In total, the study will take about 19 hours over about 5-6weeks.

What will I get for volunteering?

• If you complete all the visits and procedures, we will pay you $1,300

How can I sign up or get more information?

Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm EDT. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an email to recruitment for EPA Studies

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #21-3193.

 LOCONOZ III Study

Pulmonary and Inflammatory Responses Following Exposure to a Low Concentration of Ozone or Clean Air for 6.6 Hours at Rest in Healthy Young Adults. (LOCONOZ III): IRB #24-0640

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of this study is to measure pulmonary function, symptoms, and pulmonary inflammatory responses in healthy young adults during and immediately after exposure to a low concentration of ozone (0.07 ppm) or clean air for 6.6 hours while at rest. Ozone is a common pollutant that EPA believes may be harmful at much higher levels. This concentration is the level of the current NAAQS standard for ozone.  

Can I take part in the study?
You may be able to take part in the study if you are: 

• Between the ages of 18 and 35. 
• A healthy nonsmoker.
• Do not have asthma or other health problems.

What will I be asked to do?

• Have a free physical exam.
• Complete a consenting visit to learn about the study and study procedures. 
• Take part in breathing tests, including spirometry (link provided to explanation).
• Have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored (link provided to explanation).
• Produce airway fluids such as nasal fluid and sputum samples (link provided to explanation).
• Breathe clean air & air with carefully controlled amounts of ozone during two separate exposure sessions.
• Come back the day after each exposure for a follow up visit (sputum producers ONLY).

How long will it take? 
Following initial screening, the study has 5 visits, including 1 consenting visit, 2 all day exposure sessions and 2 follow up visits.

What will I get for volunteering?
If you complete all visits and procedures, we will pay you up to $1,125.

How can I sign up or get more information?
Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm EST. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly: (919 966-0604 (local) or 1-888-279-9353 (toll free).
•    Send an Email to recruitment for EPA studies

Approved by the Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #24-0640.

What will I be asked to do?

• Complete pre-study screening.
• Complete a training session to learn about the study and study procedures.
• Breathe clean air and air with carefully controlled amounts of pollutants during three consecutive days.
• Exercise on and off at 15-minute intervals during exposures.
• Take part in breathing tests, including one called spirometry (link provided to explanation).
• Have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored (link provided to explanation).
• Have blood drawn before and after each exposure and on the follow up day.
• Avoid certain medications, vitamins, and environmental exposures for 24-48 hours before study appointments.

 

MASKOFF STUDY

Enrollment Open

What is MASKOFF?

MASKOFF is a study of the "Cardiovascular Effects in Healthy Young Subjects Exposed to Wood Smoke" under IRB #19-2078.

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of the research study is to examine cardiovascular effects and pulmonary after exposure to wood smoke. Healthy, nonsmoking, physically active, adults ages 18 to 35 will be exposed to clean air and wood smoke in a small chamber over the course of two separate exposure sessions. The entire study will consist of 5 visits over the course of approximately two weeks.

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to take part in the study if you are:

• A healthy nonsmoker.
• Between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Normally active.
• Up to date on COVID-19 vaccination status per CDC recommendations

What will I be asked to do?

• Complete a consenting visit to learn about the study and study procedures.
• Breathe clean air & air with carefully controlled amounts of wood smoke during two separate exposure sessions.
• Exercise on and off at 15-minute intervals during each of the two-hour exposures.
•  Produce airway secretions such as nasal mucosa and sputum samples (link provided to explanation).
•  Take part in breathing tests, including one called spirometry (link provided to explanation).
• Have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored (link provided to explanation).
• Have blood drawn before and after each exposure and on each follow up day.
• Avoid certain medications and environmental exposures for 24-48 hours before study appointments.
• Have your retinas imaged before and after each exposure and on each follow up day.

How long will it take?

• Following initial screening, the study has 5 visits over the course of approximately 2 weeks.

What will I get for volunteering?

• If you complete all visits and procedures we will pay you approximately $2,030.

How can I sign up or get more information?

Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm EST. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an email to recruitment for EPA Studies

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #19-2078.

MASKON STUDY

Enrollment Open

What is MASKON?

MASKON is a study of the "Cardiovascular Effects in Healthy, Young Subjects Exposed to Wood Smoke" under IRB #23-1135.

NOTICE: Check eligibility criteria prior to volunteering for the MASKON study participation.

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of the research study is to examine cardiovascular effects and pulmonary after exposure to wood smoke. Healthy, nonsmoking, physically active, adults ages 18 to 35 will be exposed wood smoke in a small chamber over the course of three separate exposure sessions. The entire study will consist of 7 visits over the course of approximately six weeks.

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to take part in the study if you are:

• A healthy nonsmoker.
• Between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Normally active.
• Up to date on COVID-19 vaccination status per CDC recommendations.
• A completed participant of the MASKOFF study.

What will I be asked to do?

• Complete a consenting visit to learn about the study and study procedures.
• Breathe clean air & air with carefully controlled amounts of wood smoke during two separate exposure sessions.
• Exercise on and off at 15-minute intervals during each of the two-hour exposures.
•  Produce airway secretions such as nasal mucosa and sputum samples (link provided to explanation).
•  Take part in breathing tests, including one called spirometry (link provided to explanation).
• Have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored (link provided to explanation).
• Have blood drawn before and after each exposure and on each follow up day.
• Avoid certain medications and environmental exposures for 24-48 hours before study appointments.
• Have your retinas imaged before and after each exposure and on each follow up day.

How long will it take?

• Following initial screening, the study has 7 visits over the course of approximately 6 weeks.

What will I get for volunteering?

• If you complete all visits and procedures we will pay you approximately $2,810. Check eligibility prior to signing up to volunteer.

How can I sign up or get more information?

Eligibility criteria for participation in the MASKON study includes prior completion of the MASKOFF study.

Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm EST. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an Email to recruitment for EPA studies

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #23-1135.

SENSE Study

Enrollment is Open

What is SENSE?

SENSE stands for the "Modification of ambient air pollution exposure and cardiopulmonary outcomes by socioeconomic status and nutrition" under IRB #23-0428.

What is the purpose of this research study?

This research study examines how the community you live in can determine how much air pollution you are exposed to and your body’s response to air pollution. It also looks at whether what you eat (nutrition) can affect how your heart, lungs, and immune system response when exposed to air pollution in your daily life, and if these effects are different depending on the community you live in.

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to take part in the study if you are:

• Between the ages of 25 and 70
• Residing in the Triangle area in North Carolina

What will I be asked to do?

• Complete pre-study screening.
• Maintain current diet pattern for the whole study.
• Upon arrival, the subject’s vital signs will be checked. A urine sample will be collected from any female subject who has child-bearing potential.
• Provide a blood sample
• Take pictures of a part of your eye called the retina.
• Subjects will wear a wrist band 7 days prior to each in-person HSF visit and return them at their in-person visit.

How long will it take?

Following initial screening, the subject will be scheduled for up to 4 study visits lasting 4 hours in length.

What will I get for volunteering?

If you complete all visits and procedures, we will pay you UP TO $1300.

How can I sign up or get more information?

Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm EDT. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an email to recruitment for EPA Studies

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #23-0428.

FACEFIT 2.0

Enrollment is Open

What is FACEFIT 2.0?

FACEFIT 2.0 seeks to understand craniofacial dimensions as determinants of the fitted performance of common face masks under IRB #24-0349

What is the purpose of this research study?

This study examines the role of craniofacial dimensions and self-evaluation thereof in the protection afforded by masks commonly worn by the public as protection against aerosol contaminants. The effectiveness of instructions for self-evaluation of craniofacial dimensions will be tested against standard digital and manual craniometric methods. A 3D image of your
face will be obtained and analyzed with software that measures a range of specific facial features. Your mask will be tested for filtration efficiency. Two types of masks will be evaluated
using a standard OSHA test. A solution of table salt dissolved in water will be used to generate enough airborne particles for filtration testing, the amount of salt in the test air is no more than that found in sea air at the beach.

Can I take part in the study?

You may be able to take part in the study if you are:

• Generally healthy
• Between the ages of 18 and 70
• Ambulatory
• COVID Vaccinated

What will I be asked to do?

• Complete a head and face self-evaluation guide
• Wear two different facemasks while seated in an exposure chamber
• For those who have facial hair, you will be requested to shave in order to participate in this
• Take part in breathing tests
• Have your picture taken

How long will it take?

This study has one visit lasting approximately 1 hour

What will I get for volunteering?

If you complete all visits and procedures, we will pay you $100.00

How can I sign up or get more information?

Call us or send an email. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm EDT. After hours, please leave a message on voice mail, and we will return your call promptly.

• (919) 966-0604 (local)
• 1-888-279-9353 (toll free)
• Send an Email to recruitment for EPA studies

Web Site Advertising (www.epa.gov/epastudies): IRB #24-0349 Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #24-0349

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Human Research Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Contact Information: IRB #24-0349.