On Thursday 5th February, the first AirHub micro network workshop was held, focusing on the health impacts of particulate matter (PM). This interactive session facilitated a conversation between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the effects of indoor PM on health and to identify priorities for future research.
Participants were welcomed by AirHub’s Principal Investigator, Abigail Hathaway, followed by presentations from Sierra Clark (City St. George’s) and Alison Gowers (COMEAP / UKHSA) on methods for quantifying the burden of disease associated with indoor PM.
The group then examined the current challenges, evidence gaps, and opportunities for improving assessments of indoor PM health impacts. They first heard from Abigail Whitehouse (Queen Mary University) on the use of air quality research in clinical settings, and then took part in a quick fire session showcasing the latest UK indoor air and health studies. The INHABIT Hub was represented by James Milner (WS3 co lead), who contributed to the quick fire presentations.
The workshop also included several breakout sessions in which participants discussed how they use quantitative health impact estimates, shared ideas for future studies, and identified key research questions for improving the accuracy of indoor PM burden of disease assessments in the UK. Suzanne Bartington (CCT2 Lead; SPF Clean Air Champion) facilitated some of these discussions, and Kaja Milczewska (WS3 modeller; KE fellow) took part as a participant.
Follow AirHub for future events, and look out for their Sandpit opportunity later this year