Domestic Environmental Exposure and Progression of Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases: An Exploratory Case-Control Study

The project titled "Domestic Environmental Exposure and Progression of Progressive or Stable Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases: An Exploratory Case-Control Study" is a Category 3 study involving 60 patients with progressive or stable fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). These patients are matched based on the same ILD subtype and their use or non-use of antifibrotic medication. The study aims to thoroughly describe the domestic environment of these patients and investigate the associations between the progression of pulmonary fibrosis and: i) The presence of pollutants and risk factors in the home, including concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, fine particles, mold, dust mite allergens, building defects, and lifestyle habits that increase pollutant exposure. ii) The ambient air quality at the patients' addresses. Occupational exposures will also be considered in the analysis. This project is designed to enhance our understanding of how an unfavorable domestic environment impacts the progression of pulmonary fibrosis and to evaluate the effects of the CMEI (Comprehensive Environmental and Indoor Audit) on patients' ability to manage identified risk factors within their homes, their respiratory health, and their medical diagnosis. The CMEI audit is a preventive measure that could serve as a significant intervention to alter patient behavior, reduce exposure, and improve health outcomes. This project is sponsored by the Environmental Health Laboratories Department, in collaboration with Unit 1018 of the Research Center in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), and two investigative centers: Tenon Hospital and Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital.