Kaisen Lin, PhD

Our research is centered on a critical health question: Can the products we use to clean our homes and public spaces influence the health of our lungs? In light of the respiratory illnesses that have impacted communities worldwide, it's imperative we understand the potential risks or benefits of cleaning products. We are examining how these substances interact with airborne viruses and how this might change the way virus-laden aerosols behave and affect our respiratory system. Our findings will not only deepen our understanding of indoor air quality but also guide us toward healthier cleaning habits. By identifying practices that safeguard rather than compromise lung health, we aim to make indoor environments safer for everyone. This is especially vital for disadvantaged communities, where access to healthcare is often limited. Ultimately, our work seeks to ensure that preventive measures against lung diseases are grounded in robust scientific evidence, paving the way for healthier space for all.

The Keith R. Ayres Emerging Respiratory Pathogens Award 

Update: Our research team is investigating how chemicals released from disinfecting cleaning products affect the survival of airborne viruses indoors. During the first year of the project, the team successfully developed a controlled experimental system to study interactions between cleaning-product-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and viruses in aerosols. Preliminary findings suggest that VOC exposure can reduce viral viability under certain environmental conditions, highlighting a previously underexplored link between indoor air chemistry and airborne disease transmission. The findings may improve understanding of how indoor environmental exposures influence respiratory health and airborne disease transmission. Ultimately, the project could help guide healthier indoor cleaning practices and support evidence-based strategies for reducing airborne respiratory infection risks while maintaining good indoor air quality.