The Clean Air Study: HEPA Purifiers to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Health in Rural Alaska Homes

Launched by ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM · Jul 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Clean Air Study is looking at how using HEPA air purifiers can improve the indoor air quality in homes in rural Alaska, particularly for families with young children. In the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, many homes have wood stoves for heat or expose children to tobacco smoke, which can make the air inside less healthy. This study aims to find out if HEPA filters can help reduce harmful particles in the air, which may lead to fewer respiratory problems like coughing and wheezing in children under 5 years old.

To participate in the study, you need to be an Alaska Native living in a home where a wood stove is used for heating or where someone smokes. If you join, you will set up some equipment in your home and use it for 12 weeks. You'll also keep track of any respiratory symptoms your child experiences by sending weekly updates via phone or text. At the end of the study, you'll return the air quality monitor but keep the HEPA filters. This is a great opportunity to help improve air quality and health in your community while contributing to important research!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Alaska Native participants residing in homes where woodstoves are used for heat or a smoker resides in the home.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Plan to move homes during the study period.
• • Using HEPA air purifiers (other than the ones provided by the study).