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BackgroundTraffic-related airborne particles have been shown to be associated with asthma morbidity. While air filtration reduces indoor aeroallergens with potential improvement in asthma symptoms, this intervention has not been extensively studied in relation to traffic particles indoors.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) cleaner on indoor particle concentrations and the resultant effect on children with asthma.MethodsForty-four children with asthma were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. A HEPA air clear and placebo “dummy” were placed in participants’ homes for four weeks, interrupted by a one-week washout period, before crossing over to the other treatment arm for four weeks. Air sampling health outcomes were completed prior to and at the end of each treatment arm.ResultsIndoor concentrations of traffic particles were reduced with the HEPA treatment but not with the placebo “dummy” treatment. This decrease coincided with clinically and statistically improved scores in asthma control and quality of life in those with poorly controlled asthma and inadequate quality of life at baseline. The median ACQ score decreased from 1.33 to 0.83 (p |
