INTRODUCTION: Particle contamination is suggested to have substantial negative effects on health, with candles emitting huge amount of particles, thus being one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution. Chronic low levels of exposure to indoor particles over time is an important risk factor for the health of the population as a whole and it becomes particularly important for vulnerable groups like people suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma. AIM: In a randomized controlled cross-over trial the difference in health effects between two candles I) a standard candle and II) a low emission candle modified from the standard candle is studied.
INTRODUCTION; Particle contamination is suggested to have substantial negative effects on health, with candles emitting the huge amount of particles, thus being one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution. Chronic low levels of exposure to indoor particles over time is an important risk factor for the health of the population as a whole and it becomes particularly important for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly or people already suffering from allergies and respiratory diseases such as asthma. AIM: To study the difference in health effects between two candles I) a standard candle and II) a low emission candle modified from the standard candle. The following hypothesis will be examined: Short-term exposure to particles generated by the standard candle is associated with more objectively measurable effects in metabolomics inflammation compared to exposure to modified low-emission candle particles. METHODS: Separated by two weeks 20 young asthmatics will be exposed in a randomized cross-over double-blind study under controlled conditions in a climate chamber to three different exposures; A) a standard (Scandinavian) stearin candle, B) a modified low emitting version of the same candle, and C) clean air from the adjacent chamber. The experiment will be carried out in groups of 3-6 participants. MEASUREMENTS: TSI P-TRAK Ultrafine Particle Counter and SMPS will be used for particle counts. Health effects, including spirometry and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) will be evaluated in relation to local and systemic effects prior to, right after and 24 h. after exposure. ANALYSIS: Mixed methods approach taking both time and exposure into account.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
17
Burning candles will produce particulate air pollution being passed on an exposure chamber where the participants will be sitting for 5 hours.
Burning candles will produce particulate air pollution being passed on an exposure chamber where the participants will be sitting for 5 hours.
Climate Chambers, Dept. Public Health, Aarhus University
Aarhus, Central Region Denmark, Denmark
Change in Particles in Exhaled Air (Surfactant Protein A & Albumin)
PExA: Subjects performed repeated breath maneuvers allowing for airway closure and re-opening, and exhaled particles were optically counted and collected on a membrane using the PExA® instrument set-up
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Lung Function (FEV1 & FVC)
Spirometry
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)
NIOX VERO system; Aerocrine AB, Sweden
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in white blood cells in Blood
White blood cells
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) in Blood
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) further divided into early and late EPCs
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in inflammatory markers in Blood
Interleukin 8, interleukin 1
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in biomarkers in Blood
Metabolomics
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in nasal volume (using Acoustic rhinometry)
Acoustic rhinometry is used to assess the nasal cross sectional area and volume. The left and right nasal cavity were studied alternatively until three reproducible measurements were obtained. The minimum cross sectional cavity area is calculated from the means of the measurements. By integration of the area-distance curve, the sum of the volume 2 to 4 (vol2-4) from the nostril is determined on both sides.
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in biomarkers in Saliva Sample
An oral svap from Salivette was placed in the mouth of the participant to collect saliva by gently chewing the swab for one minute. Afterwards the saturated swab was removed to the suspended insert and closed firmly with a lid. Then the sample was transferred to a freezer and stored for -80 C until further analysis. The sample will be analyzed for biomarkers (amylase, cortisol, substance P, lysozyme and secretory IgA. (same unit measure))
Time frame: after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
ReCIVA
Sampling of VOCs and particles in exhaled air. Breathing through a mask for 10-15 minutes makes it possible to collect VOCs and particles into tenax air sampling tubes.
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Subjective Symptoms
n the exposure chamber participants are asked to fill out a symptom questionnaire every 30 minute regarding their well-being and experienced symptoms in eyes, nose and throat. The participants are asked to score their evaluation / rate the strength of symptoms on a Linear Numeric Scale from 0-10, with 10 being worst. Health effects are evaluated in relation to rated changes in symptoms
Time frame: Every 30 minute during 5 hours of exposure
Heart rate using a Fitbit
Using a Fitbit watch participants' heart rate is measured.
Time frame: From exposure start until the morning after exposure (in total 24 hours)
Sleep quality using a Fitbit
Using a Fitbit watch participants' sleep quality is measured.
Time frame: during 48 hours
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.