What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for pollution exposure, particularly traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs), include reducing exposure through changes in commute time and mode, using air purifiers, and managing symptoms with medications like inhaled corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids can cause side effects such as oral thrush, hoarseness, and, less commonly, systemic effects like adrenal suppression and decreased bone density. Reducing exposure by altering commute patterns generally has no direct side effects but may require lifestyle adjustments. Air purifiers are generally safe but can sometimes cause dryness of the airways.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved treatments mentioned in the provided context for pollution exposure or for reducing traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs). The context focuses on the health effects of TRAPs and the potential benefits of changing commute times and modes to reduce exposure. Generally, managing pollution exposure involves public health measures, such as improving air quality standards and promoting alternative transportation methods, rather than specific pharmaceutical treatments.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for reducing TRAP exposure and associated health effects in 2024 include: 1) Advanced air filtration systems in homes and vehicles, which can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels. 2) Wearable air purifiers that provide personal protection against airborne pollutants. 3) Implementation of green infrastructure, such as urban green spaces and green roofs, which can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality. 4) Use of mobile apps and sensors to monitor real-time air quality, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about outdoor activities. 5) Adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce overall emissions and improve urban air quality.

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Commuting Choices for Pollution Exposure (ETCH Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Misti L Zamora, PhD

Research Sponsored by UConn Health

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up collected pre and post each 48-hour sampling period; also collected after each commute (8 measurements per participant). participants will complete all measurements within one season.

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will test if changing the time people travel to work can reduce their exposure to traffic pollution and improve their health. It focuses on 65 people who will alter their travel times to avoid times when pollution is highest.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults over 18 who commute more than 20 minutes to work in Hartford County, including driving during rush hour. Participants must be able to complete surveys in English and work outside the home on consecutive days. Smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke, with chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma (with recent exacerbations), on hypertension medications, or pregnant individuals cannot join.

What is being tested?

The study examines how changing commuting times and methods affects exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and health. Participants will commute by car during peak and off-peak hours on different days to measure changes in pollutant exposure levels.

What are the potential side effects?

There are no direct side effects from participating in this study since it involves modifying commuting habits rather than testing a medical intervention. However, there may be indirect effects related to stress or inconvenience.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ collected pre and post each 48-hour sampling period; also collected after each commute (8 measurements per participant). participants will complete all measurements within one season.

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~collected pre and post each 48-hour sampling period; also collected after each commute (8 measurements per participant). participants will complete all measurements within one season.

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and collected pre and post each 48-hour sampling period; also collected after each commute (8 measurements per participant). participants will complete all measurements within one season. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Blood Pressure measurements before and after the sampling period

Changes in FEV1 (Spirometry)

Changes in FVC (Spirometry)

+2 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Non-rush hour CommuteExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: Peak Traffic CommuteActive Control1 Intervention

"Rush hour" is defined as between 6:30 and 8:30 am. This is when most Hartford residents commute to work.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for pollution exposure involve behavioral changes such as altering commute times to avoid peak traffic periods and choosing alternative modes of transportation like cycling or walking on less trafficked routes. These strategies aim to reduce personal exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), black carbon (BC), and carbon monoxide (CO). By minimizing exposure to these harmful pollutants, individuals can potentially reduce the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues, which are exacerbated by high levels of TRAPs. This is particularly important for pollution exposure patients as it directly impacts their overall health and quality of life.

Particulate matter exposure and health impacts of urban cyclists: a randomized crossover study.The Fort Collins Commuter Study: Impact of route type and transport mode on personal exposure to multiple air pollutants.