Particulate matter floating indoors is associated with worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers conducted a study to determine whether portable, high-efficiency particulate air cleaners improved respiratory morbidity in former smokers.
Randomized study participants with moderate-to-severe COPD were followed for six months, and their adherence to usage of the machines and the amount of time they spent indoors were key factors in breathing improvements. This is the first study conducted among former smokers with COPD that demonstrated the benefits of clean air as an environmental intervention.
Reference: Hansel NN, Putcha N, Woo H, et al. Randomized Clinical Trial of Air Cleaners to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Health: Results of the CLEAN AIR Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022;205(4):421-430. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202103-0604OC.
Link: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.202103-0604OC?role=tab
