Monitoring Airborne Combustion, Allergen and Microbial Particulate Exposures in Asthmatic Children

Abstract

As part of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) funded PRISMS program (Pediatric Research using Integrated Sensor Monitoring Systems), Columbia University and AethLabs are developing a modular array of miniaturized air monitors capable of collecting, recording and streaming data in real-time for use in asthma epidemiology studies. A small, low-noise box containing a modular set of monitors to measure black carbon, PM2.5, PM10, and to collect airborne particulate matter onto two Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters, was placed in the homes of 5 asthmatic children for 2-3 days. Concomitantly, children also wore a personal monitor for black carbon linked to a smartwatch for compliance. The watch has an application that records proximity between the monitor and the watch and sends notifications to the subject if the devices are far apart to improve wearing compliance. The air monitors successfully measured and streamed to laboratory computers black carbon, PM2.5, and PM10 data in real-time. Mus m 1 (mouse allergen) was detected in 3 out of 5 filters (5.8-8.2pg/m3) and fungal DNA was detected on all 5 filters (0.023-0.039pg/m3). Exposure data and children’s compliance in wearing the personal monitor was recorded. The developing modular array of devices confined in a small box that can be linked to wearable personal monitors and subject compliance smartwatches via wireless technology will provide researchers with real-time data as personal exposure occurs as well as archived longer-term exposure data and real-time subject’s compliance. These devices could eventually be adapted to fit different study designs.