Sheena E. Martenies, PhD, MPH

Portable air cleaners (PACs) are efficient at removing particulate matter (PM) from indoor air in homes, but they are often not used frequently enough for their benefits to be realized. The goal of this project is to identify ways to encourage people to use these helpful devices more effectively. We will test whether participant data report-back, an intervention where study participants receive information about the data they provide to researchers, can encourage PAC use at home. We will measure the impact of exposure data report-back on PAC use and indoor air pollutants concentrations and assess the relationships between PAC use and indicators of inflammation in children. We will also examine participant experiences using the PACs and receiving report-back data to identify barriers and opportunities for strategies to improve knowledge about environmental health and PAC use in the homes of children.

Update: In this study, we are investigating whether data report-back, a process where participants receive a summary of the data they provide to the study, can promote portable air cleaner use in homes with children. In this past year, we have received ethics approval, designed all study surveys and participant materials, purchased all required equipment, and trained a team of undergraduate and graduate students to conduct the research. To date, 17 families have been enrolled. Baseline data collection of air quality in their homes is already underway, with additional recruitment ongoing. Participants will be randomized into their study groups this summer with the intervention study beginning in the fall. Half of the families will receive personalized quarterly reports showing data on their indoor air pollutant levels, how often their air cleaner has been running and associated electricity costs. The other half will use air cleaners without receiving this feedback. We will compare portable air cleaner usage, indoor particulate matter concentrations and biomarkers collected in saliva between the two groups.