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Reducing Exposure With Air Cleaners and Technology
Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley
Summary
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a type of air pollution made up of extremely tiny particles that can harm our health. Because PM2.5 particles are so small, they can travel deep into the lungs when we breathe. Exposure to PM2.5 can worsen asthma, cause breathing problems, increase the risk of heart attacks, and lead to early death, especially for people with existing heart or lung conditions. In California's Bayview Hunters Point (BVHP), a San Francisco community already facing high levels of air pollution and health impacts, sources of PM2.5 include industrial activity, commuter traffic, heavy-duty diesel trucks, freight trains, and port and maritime activities. The Reducing Exposure with Air Cleaners and Technology (REACT) Study is a partnership between UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and Brightline Defense. The goal is to see if air cleaners (also called air purifiers) can help reduce indoor PM2.5 levels and improve respiratory health. For this study, we'll be recruiting 100 households in BVHP to participate. In each home, we'll monitor indoor PM2.5 levels and the health status of household members who are 13 years old or older and have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Each home will be part of the study for 90 to 120 days, depending on scheduling. Households must reside in BVHP for the duration of the study and not have used an air cleaner in their home within the last 6 months. On Day 1, each household will receive a PurpleAir indoor air quality monitor to measure PM2.5 levels in their home. * For the first 30 days, we'll measure the home's normal air quality (baseline). * After 30 days, each household will receive an air cleaner (Figure 2) with information about how to best use it. * At that point, we'll also turn on a PM2.5 indicator light on half of the PurpleAir monitors. For the other half, we'll keep that indicator light turned off. This helps us study whether seeing the air quality in real time changes how people use the air cleaner. * For the next 30 days, we'll continue monitoring indoor PM2.5 levels. We'll also track how often the air cleaner is used with smart plug data loggers. * After 60 days, if a household isn't using the air cleaner much or it doesn't seem to be working well, we'll offer more training and support. * We'll continue monitoring over the final 30 days of the study.
Official title: Reducing Exposure With Air Cleaners and Technology (REACT) in At-Risk Communities
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
13 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2026-11
Completion Date
2027-09
Last Updated
2026-11-03
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Air Cleaner
During Phase 2 of the study, an air cleaner will be installed in each participant's household. All participants will receive this device and intervention.
PM2.5 Monitor with Visual Air Quality Indicator
To assess how visual input from a low-cost particulate matter monitor can increase the use and effectiveness of air cleaners, participants will be randomized to receive monitors with a visual indoor air quality indicator (Arm 1, intervention) and without a visual indoor air quality indicator (Arm 2, control). Participants will be randomized 1:1 using blocks into the intervention arm or control arm.
Educational Materials
All participants will receive educational materials about the PurpleAir monitor, air cleaner and its best use, and the Air Quality Index. For those in Arm 1, the second half of the Air Quality Index fact sheet will describe the visual air quality indicator on their PurpleAir monitor. For those in Arm 2, the second half of the fact sheet will share general information about where local air quality information can be found.
Air Cleaner Technical Assistance
To evaluate how additional information and/or engagement can further impact air cleaner use and effectiveness, we will provide additional technical assistance on air cleaner usage in three different forms: (1) text messages that reinforce air cleaner use through reminders and tips and targets spatial barriers and in-the-moment behaviors; (2) short-form videos that show the participants how to use their air cleaner and share community member perspectives on benefits, safety concerns, and household dynamics; and (3) video calls with study staff to build skills and confidence and reinforce value of using the air cleaner. Participants will be randomized to receive one, two, or all three of these forms of air cleaner technical assistance.
Locations (3)
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States
Brightline Defense Project
San Francisco, California, United States
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States