Endothelial Dysfunction, Systemic Inflammation
Conditions
Keywords
Inflammation, Pathologic Processes
Brief summary
This study is focused on the effects of HEPA filtration to reduce exposures to combustion-derived air pollution (CDAP). Specifically, the study will evaluate the health benefits of HEPA filters and compare the cardiovascular toxicity of two major sources of CDAP, specifically traffic and residential wood combustion. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of portable high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters to reduce exposures to PM2.5 and air pollution indoors and to improve subclinical indicators of microvascular function and systemic inflammation among healthy adult participants. The investigators hypothesize that HEPA filter use will help decrease indoor concentrations of CDAP thereby helping to mitigate the associated cardiovascular risks.
Detailed description
To address knowledge gaps about health risks of specific pollution sources and to provide new evidence on the health benefits of air pollution interventions, the objectives of this study are: 1) quantify the relationship between low-level exposures to combustion-derived PM air pollution and subclinical indicators of cardiovascular disease risk; and 2) compare the relative impact of HEPA filtration for two major PM sources (traffic and residential wood combustion) on these indicators. The use of HEPA filters may help to mitigate cardiovascular risks factors caused by combustion-derived air pollution (CDAP), (specifically woodstove and traffic emissions). We hypothesize that HEPA filter use and improved woodstove technology will help decrease indoor occurrences of CDAP. This project will help address knowledge gaps in CDAP-related health risks and benefits of interventions. Specific objectives include establishing a relationship between exposure to CDAP and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and evaluating the impact of HEPA filter use towards improved indoor air quality and health indicators.
Interventions
DEVICEHEPA Filter
Two HEPA filters will be placed in participant's homes (one in the bedroom and one in the main living area); each HEPA will run for 2 consecutive 7-day sampling sessions. During one of the 7-day sampling sessions, the HEPA filter will run without the internal filter in place (i.e., placebo filtration).
DEVICEHEPA Filtration Placebo
for one of the two 7-day sampling sessions, both HEPA filters placed in participants' homes will be run without the actual filter in the housing unit.
Sponsors
Simon Fraser University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
19 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* 19 years or older * non-smoking household * lives within study boundaries and in areas of interest
Exclusion criteria
* COPD * asthma * diabetes * heart disease * hypertension * arthritis * gum disease * occupationally exposed to traffic exposures &/or woodsmoke * if female, pregnant
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in reactive hyperemia measurement after HEPA filtration | after 1 week of filtration | Participants endothelial function are tested after 1 week of HEPA filtration and after 1 week of non-HEPA filtration (placebo filtration). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in C-Reactive Protein after HEPA Filtration | after 1 week of filtration | Participants CRP is measured after 1 week of HEPA filtration and after 1 week of non-HEPA filtration (placebo filtration). |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed