Improving heart and metabolic health with HEPA air purifiers

Using Indoor Air Filtration to Reduce PM2.5 Cardiometabolic Effects in At-risk Individuals

Not applicable Interventional University of Southern California · NCT05718245

This study is testing if using HEPA air purifiers can improve heart and metabolic health in non-diabetic adults aged 65 to 84 by reducing indoor air pollution.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 84 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern California Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05718245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind, crossover trial aims to evaluate the effects of HEPA air purifiers on cardiometabolic health by reducing indoor PM2.5 exposure in non-diabetic adults aged 65 to 84. The study will involve 52 participants who will be block randomized into HEPA and control groups for 6-month interventions, followed by a wash-out period before switching groups. Researchers will conduct home visits to set up air purifiers, monitor air quality, and collect health data, including weight, blood pressure, and biospecimens. The study will assess changes in metabolic outcomes related to type 2 diabetes and explore the relationship between reduced PM2.5 exposure and these outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-diabetic adults aged 65 to 84 years old with a history of overweight or obesity living in Los Angeles County.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes or significant health conditions that prevent participation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved cardiometabolic health in older adults by reducing harmful air pollution exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving health outcomes through air quality interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 65 and 84 years old;
* Nonsmoker for at least 1 year;
* History of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 in the past based on EMR information;
* Either an English or Spanish speaker;
* Live in the Los Angeles County.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) or degenerative disease of the nervous system (Alzheimer's disease or dementia);
* Currently have active cancer treatment;
* The residential house has already had HEPA filters;
* Participants will move out of the current house in the next 2 years;
* Participants will spend more than one month living outside the primary home;
* Have any health conditions that prohibit collecting health and covariate data and biospecimen;
* The residential houses are not feasible for setting up air purifiers and air pollutants monitors;
* Have high blood glucose from finger stick test (\> 200 mg/dL).

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Air PollutionCardiometabolic HealthAir pollutionParticulate matterAir purifierHEPA filterCardiometabolic health
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.