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HEPA filtration improves asthma control in children exposed to traffic‐related airborne particles
Author(s) -
James Christine,
Bernstein David I.,
Cox Jennie,
Ryan Patrick,
Wolfe Christopher,
Jandarov Roman,
Newman Nicholas,
Indugula Reshmi,
Reponen Tiina
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
indoor air
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.387
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 1600-0668
pISSN - 0905-6947
DOI - 10.1111/ina.12625
Subject(s) - hepa , medicine , asthma , air purifier , placebo , crossover study , quality of life (healthcare) , mechanical engineering , alternative medicine , nursing , filter (signal processing) , pathology , inlet , computer science , engineering , computer vision
Abstract Traffic‐related airborne particles are associated with asthma morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration on the concentrations of traffic particles and the resultant effect on children with asthma. Forty‐three children with asthma were enrolled in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover design. A HEPA air cleaner or a placebo “dummy” was placed in participants’ homes for four weeks, interrupted by a one‐month washout period, before crossing over to the other treatment arm for four weeks. Air sampling and health outcomes, including asthma control (ACQ) and quality of life (AQLQ) measures, were completed prior to and at the end of each treatment arm. Indoor concentrations of traffic particles were significantly reduced with the HEPA treatment but not with the “dummy” treatment. In participants with poorly controlled asthma and lower quality of life at baseline, ACQ and AQLQ scores were significantly improved (1.3 to 0.9, P = .003 and 4.9 to 5.5, P = .02, respectively) following the HEPA treatment. In this study, HEPA filtration is associated with improved clinical outcomes and quality of life measures in children with uncontrolled asthma.