Air Filtration for Asthma

MS
LM
Overseen ByLuis M Acosta, MD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Columbia University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether HEPA air cleaners, such as the Austin Air Cleaner, can help children with asthma by reducing indoor air pollution. The goal is to determine if these air cleaners can lower the amount of tiny particles in the air and improve asthma symptoms. The focus is on children living in lower-income areas of East Harlem, NYC, where asthma is common. Children aged 7-18 who have experienced asthma symptoms in the past month and live in certain parts of NYC might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance asthma management for children in similar communities.

What prior data suggests that this air cleaner is safe for children with asthma?

Studies have shown that HEPA air cleaners, such as the Austin Air Cleaner, effectively remove up to 99% of airborne particles, including those as small as 0.1 microns, like dust, bacteria, and some viruses. Research indicates that using these air cleaners can reduce unexpected doctor visits for asthma, suggesting they improve air quality and lessen asthma-related issues.

Tests have compared the Austin Air Cleaner to many other air purifiers, and it has consistently performed better, making it a reliable choice for enhancing indoor air quality. Although specific data on negative effects from using these air cleaners is lacking, their focus on reducing pollution suggests a positive health impact, especially for individuals with asthma.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for asthma, like inhalers and oral medications, focus on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. But the Austin Air Cleaner works differently by aiming to remove airborne irritants that can trigger asthma attacks. This HEPA air filtration system is unique because it filters out tiny particles from the air, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms right at the source. Researchers are excited because this approach targets environmental factors, offering a non-drug alternative that could complement existing treatments.

What evidence suggests that this air cleaner is effective for reducing asthma morbidity?

Research has shown that HEPA air cleaners can greatly reduce indoor air pollution and alleviate asthma symptoms. One study found that portable HEPA air cleaners lowered emergency room visits for children with asthma. These air purifiers can remove up to 99.97% of tiny particles in the air, including those that can trigger asthma attacks. Another study found that using HEPA filters at home improved air quality and reduced asthma problems. In this trial, participants will use the Austin Air Cleaner, which may help reduce asthma issues in children living in areas with high pollution.678910

Who Is on the Research Team?

MS

Matthew S Perzanowski, PhD

Principal Investigator

Columbia University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children aged 7-18 with asthma, living in low-income housing in Northern Manhattan and South Bronx, NYC. They must have had asthma symptoms within the last month to qualify.

Inclusion Criteria

Resident in lower-income housing in NYC Northern Manhattan and South Bronx
I have had asthma symptoms in the last month.
I am between 7 and 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to successfully perform spirometry maneuver or FeNO test
Family planning to move in the next year

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive a HEPA air cleaner to reduce indoor air pollution and improve asthma morbidity

1 year
Continuous monitoring with periodic assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Austin Air Cleaner

Trial Overview

The study tests if using a HEPA air cleaner can reduce indoor air pollution and improve asthma outcomes for kids in East Harlem over two years. It includes advanced air sampling and health checks before and after the intervention.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Air Cleaner InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Columbia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,529
Recruited
2,832,000+

Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service

Collaborator

Citations

Effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners on reducing ...

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Major Study Concludes Significant Reduction in ...

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The Airports, Air Quality, and Asthma (AAA) Study

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