NCT06534385 · Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
The Clean Air Study: HEPA Purifiers to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Health in Rural Alaska Homes
What this study is about
Alaska Native children experience a high burden of respiratory disease, especially those in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta. Studies have shown that things like wood stove use, poor ventilation, and indoor tobacco smoke exposure can lead to poor indoor air quality inside the children's homes. This leads to more frequent and more severe respiratory infections in children.
View original scientific description
Alaska Native children experience a high burden of respiratory disease, especially those in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta. Studies have shown that things like wood stove use, poor ventilation, and indoor tobacco smoke exposure can lead to poor indoor air quality inside the children's homes. This leads to more frequent and more severe respiratory infections in children. In the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, it's common for homes to have exposure to woodstoves and tobacco use. Both of these activities affect indoor air quality in homes. We know that high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can reduce particulate matter and make air quality better. One way that we measure air quality is through particulate matter (PM2.5). One of the few studies that looked at this in the YK Delta found that PM2.5 levels that were nearly twice as high as homes with woodstoves in other states. We believe it is important to reduce the PM2.5 in YK Delta homes. However, the few studies that looked at HEPA purifiers in rural Alaska did not include homes where smokers lived. We know that breathing air with PM2.5 harms the lungs. We also know that HEPA filters can reduce PM2.5, which can mean reducing cough and wheeze in people with chronic lung conditions. We want to learn how HEPA filters work in homes with woodstoves or where a smoker lives, as it's likely these homes may have more PM2.5 than other homes. We expect that using HEPA filters will make the indoor air better and will mean decreased respiratory symptoms. We plan to include 15 households with a child less than 5 years old in the family. Households that join will be asked to: * Set up study equipment in their homes. * Run the study equipment for 12 weeks and do a weekly report of child's respiratory symptoms by phone or text. * Return the air-quality monitor equipment to the study team and keep the HEPA filters.
Interventions
DEVICE
Air purifier
Winix HEPA air purifier
Primary outcome measures
Indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations
Time frame: 12-weeks
Mean weekly home indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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).
Where
- Bethel, Alaska
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 27, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations