Kipruto Kirwa, PhD
Boston University School of Public Health
Research Project:
Translating Indoor Air Quality Data into Action: A Randomized Trial of Tiered Information Strategies to Improve Household Air Quality
Grant Awarded:
- Indoor Air Award
Research Topics:
- air pollution
- epidemiology
- modeling
- public health
- risk factors
- social behavioral health
Research Diseases:
- asthma
- COPD
- emphysema
- lung cancer
- occupational lung disease
- pneumonia
Poor indoor air quality affects the health of millions of Americans. We spend most of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Many everyday activities, such as cooking, using fireplaces, cleaning and using air fresheners, affect indoor air quality; however, most people do not know how their choices affect the air they breathe. This study will test whether giving people information about their indoor air quality motivates them to make healthier choices. We will work with 120 households, providing them with air quality monitors and sending different types of information about their indoor air quality. Some will receive general tips, while others will get personalized messages based on their home’s air quality patterns. By understanding how to best help people create healthier indoor environments, we can protect respiratory health across diverse communities. This research could lead to practical, affordable ways for families to breathe cleaner air at home.
Page last updated: September 22, 2026
