Cardiovascular Effects of Aerosols in Residences Study

Phase 2

Completed

• Conditions: Systemic Inflammation; Endothelial Dysfunction
• Interventions: Device: HEPA Filter; Device: HEPA Filtration Placebo

• Registration Number: NCT01570062
• Lead Sponsor: Simon Fraser University

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2011-11
• Study First Submitted: 2012-03-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2012-04-03
• Study First Posted: 2012-04-04
• Primary Completion: 2012-08
• Study Completion: 2012-08
• Status Verified: 2014-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-04-10
• Last Update Posted: 2014-04-14

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 83

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Indoor Air HEPA Filtration	HEPA Filter	HEPA filters will be placed in participant's main living area and bedroom. Actual filtration will occur during only one of the two 7-day sampling periods.
HEPA Filtration Placebo	HEPA Filtration Placebo	For one of two 7-day sampling sessions, HEPA filters placed in participants' homes will be run without an actual filter in the housing unit.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Simon Fraser University; 🇨🇦 Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada