The effects of indoor particle exposure on blood pressure and heart rate among young adults: An air filtration-based intervention study

This study aims to evaluate whether air filtration can modify the effect of indoor particles on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in a young, healthy population. We recruited 60 students to participate in a study of multiple, prolonged exposures to either particle-filtered or non-filtered indoor air. We made four home visits in which we took continuous 48-hour measurements of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and HR in each participant. Particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured at each participant’s home. We used mixed-effects models to associate BP and HR with indoor particles and total VOCs, which were averaged over 1-hour to 8-hour periods prior to physiological measurements. We found that the mean values for indoor PM2.5 exposures at 1-hour to 4-hour were associated with an elevation in SBP, DBP and HR. The effects of indoor PM2.5 on BP and HR were greatest during the visits without air filtration. During visits with air filtration, participants showed no significant change in BP and HR in response to indoor PM2.5 exposure. We concluded that air filtration can reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations and modify the effect of PM2.5 on BP and HR in a healthy, young population.

► We make four home visits to measure blood pressure and heart rate in 60 participants.
► Fine particle and total volatile organic compounds are measured during all visits.
► An filter is added to participants’ air conditioners at the last two visits.
► Indoor particle exposure is associated with elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
► Air filtration can reduce indoor particle level and modify the cardiovascular effect.