COPD Research Study
Researchers from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are conducting a study with former cigarette smokers living with COPD to test whether air cleaners can improve indoor air quality and respiratory health.
Fast Facts
Former Smoker Who Has COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Or Chronic Cough With Symptoms In The Past Year
Aged 40+
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Baltimore, MD
Study Background
This study is testing whether indoor air cleaners can help improve breathing and quality of life in former smokers with COPD.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are leading a multi-center clinical trial to see if using air cleaners in the home can improve respiratory symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and enhance the quality of life in people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This year-long study is focused on former smokers who have a history of COPD and have experienced at least one moderate or severe flare-up in the past year.
The study is part of a nationwide effort enrolling 770 participants, with about 200 expected at Johns Hopkins. The goal is to find out whether removing pollutants like fine particles (PM) from indoor air can improve health outcomes in people with COPD. Participants will receive air cleaners to install in their homes, and researchers will check in regularly through phone calls and remote environmental monitoring.
Study Background
This study is testing whether indoor air cleaners can help improve breathing and quality of life in former smokers with COPD.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are leading a multi-center clinical trial to see if using air cleaners in the home can improve respiratory symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and enhance the quality of life in people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This year-long study is focused on former smokers who have a history of COPD and have experienced at least one moderate or severe flare-up in the past year.
The study is part of a nationwide effort enrolling 770 participants, with about 200 expected at Johns Hopkins. The goal is to find out whether removing pollutants like fine particles (PM) from indoor air can improve health outcomes in people with COPD. Participants will receive air cleaners to install in their homes, and researchers will check in regularly through phone calls and remote environmental monitoring.
Additional Information
This study is being done to learn whether using air cleaners in the home can reduce respiratory symptoms, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of COPD flare-ups in former smokers.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 40+
- Former smoker (at least 6 months since last cigarette)
- Have COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic cough with symptoms in the past year
- History of moderate to severe exacerbation of symptoms in the past year (ie: history of receiving a course of systemic corticosteroids or antibiotics for respiratory problems; OR visiting and Emergency Department, OR being hospitalized for COPD exacerbation in the past year)
- > 10 pack years smoking history
Exclusion Criteria:
- Not living in a location other than home (e.g., long-term care facility, nursing home).
- No condition with less than a year of life expectancy (e.g., metastatic cancer) or in hospice
- Not pregnant
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
In-Person Visit: You’ll attend a one-time clinic visit at Johns Hopkins lasting 2–3 hours for screening and enrollment.
Baseline Call: If eligible, you’ll complete a remote phone call to be officially enrolled and randomized.
Air Cleaners Delivered: Two air cleaners will be shipped to your home for self-installation. They’ll stay in your home for 12 months.
Monitoring Periods: At three different times (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months), you’ll complete a 1-week remote environmental assessment in your home.
Follow-Up Calls: You’ll complete 4 scheduled phone check-ins at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Extra Calls if Needed: You may receive additional monthly phone calls if the air cleaners are not being used correctly.
Year-Long Air Monitoring: Your home will also have continuous monitoring of air quality (PM and NO₂) throughout the study.
Yes! You can receive up to $580 for your time and participation over the course of the 12-month study. You’ll also get to keep 2 working air cleaners with filters at the end of the study. If you need help getting to your screening appointment, a Lyft ride or parking voucher will be provided.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.