Using air cleaners in schools to reduce respiratory virus exposure in children
Official title: High efficiency particulate air cleaner intervention to reduce respiratory virus exposure in elementary schools
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10885171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the air quality in schools affects kids' chances of getting sick from respiratory viruses, especially for those with asthma, and will test if using special air cleaners in classrooms can help keep them healthier.
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 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $215,387 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178155-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the school environment affects children's exposure to respiratory viruses and explores ways to improve indoor air quality. The study will utilize high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners in classrooms to see if they can effectively reduce airborne viruses and the incidence of respiratory infections among elementary school children, particularly those with asthma. By comparing classrooms with and without these air cleaners, researchers aim to identify key environmental factors that contribute to virus transmission. The findings could lead to better health interventions in schools, especially in the context of ongoing respiratory virus concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the rates of respiratory infections in children, improving their overall health and school attendance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that HEPA air cleaners can effectively reduce airborne allergens and viruses, suggesting a promising approach for this intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Peggy Sue — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lai, Peggy Sue
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.