Investigating how commuting choices affect health and pollution exposure
Effects of Transportation Choices on Commuter Health (ETCH): Impacts of Modifiable Factors on Personal Exposures and Acute Health
This study is testing whether changing when people commute can help reduce their exposure to air pollution and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05758714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the impact of commuting times on personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) and their acute health effects. A total of 65 participants will modify their commuting schedules, alternating between peak and non-peak travel times, to assess changes in exposure levels. Measurements will include real-time air quality data and health assessments such as blood pressure and lung function. The goal is to determine if behavioral adjustments can lead to reduced pollutant exposure and improved health outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults living or working in Hartford County who commute for more than 20 minutes on heavily trafficked roads.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, smoke, have chronic lung diseases, or are regularly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how commuting habits can be adjusted to minimize health risks associated with air pollution.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on commuting choices and TRAP exposure, studies have shown that reducing exposure to air pollutants can lead to health improvements, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Must be YES to qualify 1. Do you live or work in Hartford County? 2. Do you normally commute for more than 20 minutes in the morning? 3. Does your normal route to work include a heavily trafficked road? 4. Can you work outside your home for at least 2 days in a row during the sampling week? 5. You will be asked to commute to work by car for two days between 6:30-8:30 am (during rush hour) and outside of the rush hours (before or after that time range) on two different days of the study. You may be the passenger or driver during the commute. Is this something you are willing and able to do? 6. Are you willing and able to complete questionnaires/ surveys in English by text message or email? 7. Do you have access to e-mail? 8. Are you 18 years or older? Must be NO to qualify 1. Are you currently pregnant? 2. Do you smoke? 3. Do you have usual exposure to environmental tobacco smoke? 4. Have you been diagnosed with a chronic lung disease, such as COPD or asthma? Must not have an episode/exacerbation within the last six months 5. Are you currently taking hypertension medications?
Where this trial is running
Farmington, Connecticut
- UConn Health — Farmington, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Misti L Zamora, PhD — UConn Health
- Study coordinator: Misti L Zamora, PhD
- Email: mzamora@uchc.edu
- Phone: (860) 540-6550
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.