TS12 Healthy Home Intervention Strategies For Improving Indoor Air Quality And Health Outcomes And E

Presented by: Insung Kang

Location: La Cienega

Abstract: There has been a growing body of research demonstrated that human exposure to airborne pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants is linked to a variety of adverse health effects, ranging from sensory irritations and respiratory symptoms to asthma exacerbation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Human exposure is often greater indoors than outdoors, particularly in residences where people spend most of their time. This is in part because there are numerous indoor sources of aerosols and gaseous pollutants, including combustion sources (e.g, environmental tobacco smoke, cooking, incense, and candles), building materials, cleaning products, and personal care products. Further, airborne pollutants of outdoor origin infiltrate and persist in residences with widely varying efficiencies. There are a number of healthy home intervention approaches that have been shown to be effective in improving indoor air quality (IAQ), and thus, mitigating adverse health effects. These strategies include installing dedicated mechanical ventilation systems, upgrading furnace filters, using portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers, allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers, and education via community health workers. This tutorial will begin with an overview of airborne pollution of both indoor and outdoor sources and strategies for improving IAQ. In addition, the tutorial will review recent healthy home intervention studies for improving IAQ and occupant health. To this end, we will discuss epidemiologic evidence for health effects of air pollution, including exposure to indoor air pollution, and the importance of interdisciplinary cutting-edge research at the intersection of engineering and public health.

Presenter Bio: Insung Kang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). His research centers around building energy and environmental systems, indoor air quality measurements and modeling, energy efficiency, and occupant health and well-being, with a focus on sustainable and healthy buildings. Previously he was a senior research associate in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), upon his Ph.D. degree in Architectural Engineering at IIT. Dr. Kang's current research work focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of portable air cleaners in reducing indoor concentrations of particulate matter and improving health outcomes related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among 80 U.S. military veterans with COPD in Chicago, IL, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He has also conducted a residential ventilation and filtration intervention study for improving indoor air quality and asthma-related health outcomes among adults with asthma in Chicago, IL.