Air Purification for Cardiovascular Health in Seniors

(RAPIDS2-Ypsi Trial)

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Robert Brook, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Smoking, Lung disease, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an air purifier can improve heart health in seniors by reducing exposure to fine air pollution particles. Participants will use either an air purifier with a HEPA filter or one without, to compare effects. This study targets nonsmokers aged 60 and above living in Carpenter Place Apartments who do not have recent or unstable heart issues. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance heart health for seniors.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

You don't have to stop taking your current medications, but your therapy must be stable for the month before the trial and remain unchanged during the study.

What prior data suggests that air filtration with air purifiers is safe for cardiovascular health in seniors?

Research has shown that air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce indoor air pollution by cutting down harmful fine particles (tiny bits of dirt and dust in the air) by about 50–60%. This reduction is important because these particles can harm the heart.

One study found that air purifiers helped lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) in adults with high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart problems. These findings suggest that using a HEPA filter air purifier is generally safe and beneficial for heart health. The studies reviewed did not report any harmful side effects from using these air purifiers.

Overall, air purifiers with HEPA filters appear to be a safe way to improve air quality and may help support heart health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using air purification for cardiovascular health in seniors because it offers a non-invasive way to potentially improve heart health by reducing air pollution exposure. Unlike standard treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes focusing on diet and exercise, this approach targets indoor air quality, which is often overlooked in cardiovascular care. The use of an air purifier with a HEPA filter is unique because it actively removes airborne particles that could exacerbate cardiovascular issues, providing a novel avenue for heart health management.

What evidence suggests that air filtration with air purifiers is effective for cardiovascular health in seniors?

Research has shown that HEPA air purifiers, which participants in this trial may receive, can help lower blood pressure in adults with high readings. Studies have found that these purifiers reduce tiny pollution particles in the air, which are linked to heart problems. For example, one study found that people living near highways had lower blood pressure when they used air purifiers at home. Another study supported these results, showing significant improvements in heart health risks. Overall, using HEPA filters to clean the air appears to be an effective way to improve heart health for those exposed to air pollution. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Robert Brook, MD

Principal Investigator

Wayne State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for seniors aged 60 or older living in Carpenter Place Apartments who don't smoke. Participants should not have had a cardiovascular event recently, be exposed to secondhand smoke daily, or have unstable heart conditions. They must also commit to not traveling overnight during the study and be on stable medication if they're being treated for high blood pressure, diabetes, or other heart issues.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 60 years old or older.

Residing in Carpenter Place Apartments

You do not smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco products.

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently smoking cigarettes.

You are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis.

I am currently receiving treatment or chemotherapy for my cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Acute Treatment

Participants receive air filtration treatment to reduce PM2.5 exposure for acute health evaluation

4 days

Long-term Treatment

Participants continue air filtration treatment for long-term health evaluation

4 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Air Filtration with Air Purifier
• Sham

Trial Overview The study tests whether using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can reduce health problems related to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in seniors with cardiometabolic syndrome compared to a sham (fake) device.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: air filtration with hepa filter Active Control 1 Intervention

air purifier used is the Holmes HAP8650B-NU-1 with the hepa filter inserted.

Group II: air filtration with hepa filter removed Placebo Group 1 Intervention

sham comparator uses the Holmes HAP8650B-NU-1 air purifier to be operated with the filter removed.

Air Filtration with Air Purifier is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Portable Air Filtration Systems for:

• Reducing particulate matter exposure for cardiovascular health benefits

Approved in Canada as Air Purifiers for:

• Improving indoor air quality for cardiovascular health

Approved in European Union as HEPA Filters for:

• Reducing fine particulate matter exposure for cardiovascular health benefits

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Michigan State University

Collaborator

Trials

202

Recruited

687,000+

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

Collaborator

Trials

623

Recruited

10,400,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 38 patients with coronary artery disease, a two-week active air filtration intervention reduced indoor PM2.5 levels by 33.9%, which is linked to improved cardiovascular health.

The active air filtration was associated with enhanced baroreflex sensitivity and a decrease in oxidative stress markers, suggesting that air purifiers could help lower the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive Effect of Air Purifier Intervention on Baroreflex Sensitivity and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Crossover Intervention Trial. Eom, SY., Kim, A., Lee, JH., et al.[2022]

In a pilot study involving 20 elderly cardiac patients, the use of active portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduced personal PM2.5 exposure by 43.8% compared to sham devices, indicating their effectiveness in improving air quality for at-risk individuals.

The findings suggest that using inexpensive in-home PACs could lead to substantial long-term health benefits for cardiac patients by potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, even in areas with generally good air quality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduced Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution Exposures Using In-Home Portable Air Cleaners: PILOT RESULTS OF THE CARDIAC REHABILITATION AIR FILTER TRIAL (CRAFT). Bard, RL., Rubenfire, M., Fink, S., et al.[2021]

The study involving 40 older adults in Detroit demonstrated that using portable air filtration systems significantly reduced personal exposure to PM2.5 air pollution, with levels dropping from an average of 15.5 μg/m3 to 7.4 μg/m3 with high-efficiency filtration.

Short-term use of these air filtration systems also led to a notable decrease in systolic blood pressure by an average of 3.2 mm Hg, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits for older adults exposed to urban air pollution.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Portable Air Filtration Systems on Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Blood Pressure Among Residents in a Low-Income Senior Facility: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Morishita, M., Adar, SD., D'Souza, J., et al.[2019]

A study involving 24 healthy older adults showed that using high-efficiency air purifiers for just 48 hours significantly reduced inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers, indicating improved circulatory health.

The findings suggest that indoor air filtration can be an effective public health measure to enhance cardiopulmonary health in the elderly, despite no significant changes in oxidative stress or lung function biomarkers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing particulates in indoor air can improve the circulation and cardiorespiratory health of old people: A randomized, double-blind crossover trial of air filtration. Guo, M., Du, C., Li, B., et al.[2021]

The RAPIDS study demonstrated that high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations by 60% and personal PM2.5 exposures by 53% among senior citizens in Detroit, indicating their effectiveness in improving air quality and potentially cardiovascular health.

Low-efficiency (HEPA-type) filters also provided benefits, reducing indoor PM2.5 concentrations by 52% and personal exposures by 31%, suggesting that even less efficient filters can contribute to lowering harmful air pollution levels indoors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of personal PM2.5 exposure via indoor air filtration systems in Detroit: an intervention study. Maestas, MM., Brook, RD., Ziemba, RA., et al.[2021]

The Beijing Indoor Air Purifier Study (BIAPSY) demonstrated that active air filtration significantly reduced indoor air pollutants, including PM2.5 and black carbon, improving air quality in homes over a two-week period.

Despite the improvements in air quality, the study found no significant changes in lung function, blood pressure, or heart rate variability among participants, indicating that while air filtration is effective for reducing pollutants, it may not lead to immediate cardio-respiratory health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiorespiratory responses of air filtration: A randomized crossover intervention trial in seniors living in Beijing: Beijing Indoor Air Purifier StudY, BIAPSY. Shao, D., Du, Y., Liu, S., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. acc.org acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/08/06/15/32/Air-Purifiers-May-Reduce-Heart-Risks-for-People-Exposed-to-Traffic-Pollution

Air Purifiers May Reduce Heart Risks for People Exposed ... Study finds in-home HEPA air filters significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings ... Particulate matter (PM) is ...

2. ehp.niehs.nih.gov ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/isee.2023.SA-127

Effectiveness of Indoor Air Purifiers on Heart Failure Outcomes This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness of air-filters in improving indoor PM2.5 levels and improving the functional ...

3. jacc.org jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.06.037

Effect of HEPA Filtration Air Purifiers on Blood Pressure The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of in-home air purifiers to reduce BP for adults living adjacent to highways. Methods. We ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109725069670?dgcid=rss_sd_all

Effect of HEPA Filtration Air Purifiers on Blood Pressure The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of in-home air purifiers to reduce BP for adults living adjacent to highways. Methods. We ...

5. today.uconn.edu today.uconn.edu/2025/08/air-purifiers-may-reduce-heart-risks-for-people-exposed-to-traffic-pollution/

Air Purifiers May Reduce Heart Risks for People Exposed to ... UConn School of Medicine study finds in-home HEPA air filters significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4587002/

Enhancing indoor air quality –The air filter advantage - PMC This review discusses the impact of air pollutants with special focus on indoor air pollutants and the benefits of air filters in improving indoor air quality.

7. aaqr.org aaqr.org/articles/aaqr-23-08-oa-0202

Real-World Effectiveness of Portable Air Cleaners in ... PACs equipped with filters are generally inexpensive, practical, and known to reduce indoor PM2.5 levels by typically 50–60% in experimental interventions, ...

8. pubs.acs.org pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5c06712

Cardiovascular Benefits of Air Purification in Children It remains uncertain whether and how indoor air purification improves children's cardiovascular health. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, ...