Improving air quality in Ugandan households using air purifiers
Official title: Optimizing air purification strategies to reduce household PM2.5 exposure in Uganda
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10953009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using portable air cleaners with special filters can help families in Uganda, especially those with kids who have had pneumonia, breathe cleaner air by reducing harmful particles in their homes, even when electricity is unreliable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $272,910 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES036797-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953009 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include families living in Uganda, particularly those with children under 11 years old who have experienced respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living outside of Uganda or those without access to the targeted air purification interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how portable air cleaners equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can reduce harmful particulate matter (PM) exposure in households in Uganda. The study aims to optimize the use of these air purifiers by addressing challenges such as unreliable electricity and ensuring consistent usage among families, particularly those with children who have a history of pneumonia. By conducting experiments in both rural and urban settings, the research will evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of these air purification strategies in real-world conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve respiratory health for families in Uganda by reducing exposure to harmful air pollutants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that HEPA filters can effectively reduce PM exposure, suggesting that this approach has potential for success in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moschovis, Peter P — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Moschovis, Peter P
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.