Indoor air quality intervention to protect heart health in older adults
Official title: Evaluation of a novel indoor air pollution intervention among older adults
Funded at University of Montana · NIH-11340067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new home air-cleaning program called AIRWISE aims to improve indoor air quality for adults 65+ and see if it helps reduce cardiovascular risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Montana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Missoula, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $745,764 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038541-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11340067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older who live in homes with indoor air exposure concerns and are willing to use air-cleaning devices.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without significant indoor air pollution issues or those unable to use air-cleaning devices may not experience noticeable benefits.
What this research studies
This project tests a household indoor air quality program designed for older adults who spend most of their time indoors. Participants will use portable air cleaners and real-time monitoring to reduce indoor PM2.5 exposure, while researchers track cardiovascular health indicators over time. The goal is to determine whether cleaner indoor air translates into better heart health for aging adults living in the Western US. The study builds on prior findings about indoor air quality and cardiovascular risk, and it tailors strategies to everyday living in homes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could lead to clearer guidance for reducing indoor air pollution and lowering cardiovascular risk in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show indoor air quality changes with air cleaners, but longer-term health benefits remain less certain; this study tests a longer intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Montana
Missoula, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Ethan Sheppard — University of Montana
- Study coordinator: Walker, Ethan Sheppard
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.