Cleaner indoor air for people with COPD

1/2 Multi-Center CLEAN AIR 2 Randomized Control Trial in COPD

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11159788

This project tests whether putting portable HEPA and carbon air cleaners in homes helps people with COPD breathe better and have fewer flare-ups.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11159788 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be randomly assigned to have portable air cleaners with HEPA and carbon filters placed in your home or to a comparison group, and the study staff will measure indoor particles and nitrogen dioxide levels. The trial follows participants over time to track breathing symptoms, quality of life, and COPD exacerbations. The work builds on a prior smaller trial that cut indoor pollution and reduced moderate flare-ups. The study is run at multiple centers, so staff will visit participants' homes and collect data and health questionnaires.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) with COPD, especially former smokers who spend most of their time at home, are the most likely candidates for this study.

Not a fit: People without COPD, those who primarily smoke indoors or have main pollution exposures outside the home, or those who do not spend much time at home may not receive benefit from home air cleaners.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, home air cleaners could lower indoor pollution, improve breathing-related quality of life, and reduce COPD exacerbations for patients.

How similar studies have performed: A prior randomized trial of 116 former smokers with COPD showed that portable air cleaners cut indoor particulate and nitrogen dioxide levels and was associated with fewer moderate exacerbations, indicating promise but needing larger multi-center confirmation.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.