Portable air cleaners (PACs) can reduce blood pressure (BP) by decreasing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution exposure. However, the effectiveness of a single PAC in a bedroom and the impact on self-measured home BPs over 4 weeks have not been evaluated. We conducted a randomized-order double-blind cross-over trial of active PAC (HEPA filter in-place) versus sham (no filter) intervention in the bedroom of older adults living in a senior residential facility from 1/11/2021-11/4/2024. Each study limb lasted 4 weeks with a 2-week washout period. Participants measured triplicate home BPs in the mornings and evenings during weeks 1 and 4. Bedroom PM2.5 concentrations were continuously monitored, and 24-h personal exposures were determined during week 4. Results from 33 participants (74.9 ± 7.7 years old) completing the trial were analyzed. Active PAC intervention reduced bedroom PM2.5 concentrations (1.3±1.5 vs. 8.3±12.8 µg/m3, p 3, p 2.5 exposures. While systolic BPs were not lowered over 4 weeks in the entire cohort, some individuals may have benefited.
“The authors say the reductions could be clinically significant given that numerous studies have li nked PM 2.5 e xposure to higher blood pressure and other adverse CV effects.”
Brook et al. (Wed,) studied this question.