Clean Air

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Sunrise over mountains
Investigating how air pollution impacts health

Clean air research in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences explores how air pollution is associated with health risks like heart and lung diseases, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, with a special focus on the impacts on vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and low-income communities. 

We work with new technologies and strategies to identify pollution hot spots and measure exposure, using approaches to help communities understand the impact of wildfire smoke on health. 

Our faculty works closely with our students to train and mentor them in clean air research. 

Research spotlight

A road with heavy wildfire smoke in the air.

How UW experts navigate wildfire season

As smoke blankets Washington, UW experts share advice on protecting yourself

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Emily Do smiles in front of her research poster.

Beautifying UW and the environment

Emily Do named 2026 DEOHS Outstanding Undergraduate for community leadership and environmental toxicology research

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Xinyuan Hao stands in front of a body of water.

Protecting Washington workers in the heat

Xinyuan Hao, 2026 DEOHS Outstanding Master’s Student, evaluates heat risks for outdoor workers

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