California Air Resources Board

Principal Investigator/Author: Chelsea Preble

Contractor: University of California, Berkeley

Sub-contractors: University of California, San Francisco, BVHP Community Advocates, Brightline Defense

Contract Number: 24RD012

Project Status: Active

Relevant CARB Programs:  Indoor Air, Community Air Protection Program, Community Health, Exposure

Topic Areas: Environmental Justice, Air Pollution Exposure, People at Risk, Indoor Air, Health Effects of Air Pollution, Health & Air Pollution, Community Health, Racial Equity, Health Risk Assessment

Research Summary:

Historically and persistently divested communities experience disproportionate air pollution and health burden. Mitigation strategies that create protective environmental spaces are critical to reducing exposures and benefiting health. Using an interrupted time series design, The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), will evaluate the impact of air filtration devices (cleaners) on indoor fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposures and respiratory health outcomes. In addition, using a multistage randomized control trial design, UCB will assess how inputs like indicators from low-cost PM_2.5 sensors and technical assistance can increase the use and effectiveness of air cleaners (Figure 1). UCB will recruit 100 households residing in Bayview Hunters Points (BVHP). Each household will be randomized to receive a PurpleAir PM_2.5 sensor with (n = 50) and without (n = 50) an indicator. After a 30-day baseline PM_2.5 monitoring period, all households will receive an air cleaner. After an additional 30 days, households not consistently using air cleaners (<50 percent of average logged use) will receive additional technical assistance. All participants will complete in-the-moment surveys twice weekly to capture general behaviors and respiratory symptoms. Using segmented regression models, UCB will estimate how the presence of air quality indicators, air cleaner use, and targeted assistance affect indoor air quality and health symptoms. This study will test the effectiveness of these individual-level interventions, guiding future policymaking and advocacy efforts to improve indoor air quality for over-exposed communities.

Keywords: indoor exposure and mitigation; reducing disparities; health assessment; particulate matter (PM); pollutant exposure; indoor air; environmental justice; personal exposure