Asthma and Indoor-air: Reducing Exposures

Benefits of High Efficiency Filtration to Children With Asthma

Two hundred moderate to severely asthmatic children (6-12 years) will be enrolled in a study to look at the effectiveness of high efficiency filtration of indoor air in homes on reducing asthma symptoms. One intervention group will have high efficiency filters or filtration systems installed in their central heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The second intervention group will have high efficiency portable air cleaners placed in the child's bedroom and in the main living area. Each participant will receive true air filtration for a year and a placebo for a year. During the placebo period a sham filter will be used that removes very little of the particles. Measures of health effects will include days of symptoms, unplanned utilization of the healthcare system for asthma-related illness, short-term medication use, peak exhaled flow, spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 6-12 years of age
• Living in Fresno, San Bernardino or Riverside Counties.
• Physician diagnosed asthma, as stated by the participant's caregiver.
• In the last six months, the child must have had asthma symptoms at least twice a week for several weeks in a row.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children living in homes where more than 2 cigarettes are smoked per week in the home.
• Children that spend 2 or more nights per week in another home.
• Children living in homes that are planning on moving in the next 2 years.
• Children living in homes that keep their windows open most of the time.
• Children living in homes that have existing high efficiency filtration.